1984 merc 60, lower unit replace

[Ermdog]

Hello,

I removed the lower unit last fall from my 1984 mercury 60hp since it was taking in water and losing l/u oil to install a seal kit this winter. I had removed it a few times in the last 20 years to replace a water pump and a couple impellers. I didn`t want to mess with r/ the prop shaft so I took it in, they told me the reverse gear was seized up and a few bearings were shot, anyway $600 and a used lower unit later I was on my way north to install it. Everything seems to match up but it stops about 3/4" from mating up, the exhaust still has play, the bolts all line up, the water tube lines up fine. I rotated the flywheel and it slid up to get the nuts on but just binds up, didn`t want to force it. Any ideas, Thanks.

 

[racerone]

Shift rod spline may not be lined up.---Do not pull it together with bolts either.

 

[Ermdog]

ok, whats the best way to make sure the shift rod splines are lined up correctly,thanks

 

[fastjeff]

Turn the motor upside down--easier that way. Put both in neutral (shifter and LU) and take all the slack out of the LU end by rotating the coupling CCW.

Jeff

 

[racerone]

Would you turn a 60 HP motor upside down for this ??

 

[Fuddyduddy]

 

[Ermdog]

Yea probably won`t be turning the 60 upside down, Iam just assuming they gave me the lower unit in neutral, but I guess that would be the question: how would I know if it is in neutral, by rotating that cam or pin or what ever you call it?? Now being that it is a 1984 and there is play in the shifter I will have to check the linkage to make sure it is in neutral. The motor is 350 miles away so Iam just trying to have a much info possible when I get back up there, Thanks.

 

[racerone]

Turn the shift shaft as required to find neutral.----Pair of pliers needed.-----Strong spring in there.---If it is in forward now then turn CCW to find neutral.