2003 60hp Merc shift shaft removal

[nanogolf]

First time poster, long time lurker. I have searched extensively and haven't seen this anywhere in the forum, please excuse me if I missed it.

I'm doing a powerhead exchange on a 2Str 60hp Merc, Ser #OT6965xx (can't remember the last 2). While I'm at it, since I have to have the lower off anyway, doing a water pump impeller change.

There's some rust on a few brackets, so I wanted to wirebrush it off and repaint. I went to pull the shift shaft so I could take the drive shaft housing off, but before I proceed I want to make sure I won't have any problems putting it back without having a complete set of seals. Sure would be a lot easier if I could pull the shaft housing, but I'll forgo that if the risk/reward is not favorable.

Thanks!View attachment shift shaft.pdf

 

[haventaclue]

Do not remove the shift-shaft.You will need to dismantle the LU to put it back.It fits into the shift cam inside,and may turn when you pull the shaft as it's under pressure from the spring behind the cam follower in the prop shaft

 

[nanogolf]

Do not remove the shift-shaft.You will need to dismantle the LU to put it back.It fits into the shift cam inside,and may turn when you pull the shaft as it's under pressure from the spring behind the cam follower in the prop shaft

I guess I don't follow you. I already have the lower unit pulled comma and the power head is off as well the shift shaft is freewheeling, nothing spring loaded.




I took a couple pictures, at the top you can see where I have pulled the shift shaft up a little, and at the bottom you can see where it has just come above the lower mount. I didn't want to come up any further for fear of not being able to easily put it back together. However, that shaft does Freewheel. I believe the most important alignment as far as gears are concerned is to make sure it is in the appropriate gear at the lower unit when it matches up with the location of that lever arm connected to the top of the gear shaft.

 

[nanogolf]

Do not remove the shift-shaft.You will need to dismantle the LU to put it back.It fits into the shift cam inside,and may turn when you pull the shaft as it's under pressure from the spring behind the cam follower in the prop shaft

Not sure I understand. The lower is already off, it connects with a bushing to the shift cam, so it is not connected. I checked the lower shifting, it appears to be fine.

Attached are some pics of the rod at the top, where I have lifted it up just a bit.


And at the lower where it is just lifted above the penetration in the driveshaft housing.


Hope this helps, thanks!

 

[haventaclue]

I misunderstood what you were doing,I reread your post.RTFT as they say.That shift shaft should lift straight out.The only gasket I can see that you'll need is the powerhead.