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Reverse link install

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acman2016

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I have a '74 mercury 7.5 hp motor that the reverse link is broken. How do I install a new one. I bought a new one but do not know how it is installed. I have replaced the water pump and thought I could do it then but cannot.
 
That can be a tricky project that can be real involved. The shift shaft coupler is also the reverse lock cam the link rod goes from the coupler to the tilt bracket and has a clip that holds the ball in the socket. Is that the plastic rod or the metal one?
 
Heres where it gets hairy. Did you get the piece that goes down into the reverse cam? In order to get to that part of the motor you may need to pull the powerhead in order to pull the swivel tube out then remove the four engine mounts on the saddle that holds the driveshaft housing to the saddle. All just to get the rod into the reverse cam on the bottom. What causes the roid to break is the reverse clamp parts are froze up under the clamp bracket and the cam can also be damaged. Just shift through the gears as someone is spinning the prop you may be able to snap the rod into place without taking it apart fingers crossed.
 
Just dont turn the motor over with the prop if you spin the driveshaft counterclockwise you will need to pull the gearbox to reset the impeller. If you still have the gearbox out just push the rod toward the housing as you push down and shift gears it may just snap down into the slot in the reverse cam. It will move up and down when shifting if correct.
 
What I found is best for lloening the pivot points under the clamp bracket is just put a drop of power steering fluid and let it soak overnight then spray it good with WD. Once dry and moving free use any type motor oil to lube the pivots on a regular basis. I suppose a graphite door lock spray would work also.
 
Thanks for the help. I was able to take a drill bit and trim just a little off the rod guide and then lube the shaft and tap it down through the guide. Works great. Again thanks for the help.
 
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