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Mercury 4 hp stuck in forward

R

RNS

New member
Hi everyone!
Could someone help me in solving the issue with my Mercury 4 hp! I don't know the year (it's old), serial # 7146779, has only forward and neutral. After removing lower unit to replace the impeller I've put it all back together but now it's been stuck in forward gear and doesn't shift to neutral. The shaft goes up and down but the prop is in gear all the time and doesn't turn freely in neutral. Any ideas please?
Thanks a lot
 
The shift rod is attached to the shift lever in the upper part of the motor. It doesn't turn. It only goes up and down. I can't attach any pictures to my post. Don't know why. Thanks
 
As far as I recall it would be - Remove lower unit again, push gear shift lever fully down until lower unit is in Neutral (prop turns freely), make sure the shift lever is fully pressed down, refit lower unit, make sure shift change handle is in neutral then re-connect shift change rod.
 
If you start a file like "litphoto", you just access your photos (once your in litphoto), then adjust picture size to under 1000k. Litphoto will create a file for these adjusted photos, then you can add these to your post. Click on "go advanced" under your post, then click on the paper clip up in the toolbar and then follow the directions.
 
I had the same problem with mine. I was able to put it back together by ensuring the lower shifting rod came out the top hole. If you look inside the top shaft you will see a hole the size of the rod. I removed the rubber to make the hole bigger which eased getting the rod in the right place.

Hope this help
 
RNS said:
Hi everyone!
Could someone help me in solving the issue with my Mercury 4 hp! I don't know the year (it's old), serial # 7146779, has only forward and neutral. After removing lower unit to replace the impeller I've put it all back together but now it's been stuck in forward gear and doesn't shift to neutral. The shaft goes up and down but the prop is in gear all the time and doesn't turn freely in neutral. Any ideas please?
Thanks a lot
Click to expand...
Hi, I’m hoping you can recall and help out. Son is having the exact same issue, with what sounds like the same unit. Please advise how you got it sorted out please, and thank-you.
 
I have the same issue. From what I've heard, it's the gear rod. Some spring release at the bottom that's either missing or broken. I took mine all apart and can't fix it. Parts are very hard to find as well. I'm hoping someone can help!
 
Our son got it figured out, he put a coat hanger in the the lower leg shift shaft hole, turned driveshaft until felt a restriction (stop).
Installed leg on motor in neutral, moving flywheel ever so slightly until driveshaft lines up with crank. Did it a few times, lowered and works fine.
Notice when put it in neutral takes 1/2-3/4 revolution Before disengages. Best of luck. Yes parts are extremely hard to find. Ask mercury dealer to look internal access to what dealers have, different than online. Also some Mercruiser guys have a boneyard of parts to pick from. Paying 40 buck for a float bowl Jet/bolt. 1395-6043, ouch !
 
Mercury1977 said:
Our son got it figured out, he put a coat hanger in the the lower leg shift shaft hole, turned driveshaft until felt a restriction (stop).
Installed leg on motor in neutral, moving flywheel ever so slightly until driveshaft lines up with crank. Did it a few times, lowered and works fine.
Notice when put it in neutral takes 1/2-3/4 revolution Before disengages. Best of luck. Yes parts are extremely hard to find. Ask mercury dealer to look internal access to what dealers have, different than online. Also some Mercruiser guys have a boneyard of parts to pick from. Paying 40 buck for a float bowl Jet/bolt. 1395-6043, ouch !
Click to expand...
Wow, your son is practically a small engines mechanic. Nice. I'm not sure if I have patience or time for that but thanks so much for the helpful info. I'm hoping I can find someone who has the patience for this to do it for me.
 
He doesn't favour (touch) little stuff, but didn’t take him long to figure it out though. You can do this. Best of luck ! Asked him for as much detail for ya. Take care
 
I had the same issue or at least I though I did. Turns out, I was just too impatient and didn't wait for the prop to complete its full rotation which leaves it in the neutral position and stops turning. So everything was acually fine and I ended up opening the lower unit five times for no reason.
Too bad I'm only coming across this post right now, because your son was absolutely right:
"Notice when put it in neutral takes 1/2-3/4 revolution Before disengages."
 
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