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I am working with a 1998(ish) Merc 9.8 outboard. The last work done was an impeller replace. Today is the first time running the motor. Now the shift locations are not correct. Prop spins with the shifter in the neutral position. It appears that something is different since the impeller switch. Any tips or ideas. I am a car mechanic but not quite up on outboard mechanics.
The splines on shifting shaft are not aligned properly. It is an easy mistake to make when trying to stab a lower unit. I always set the shifter in forward position. Then engage the the lower unit in forward. It usually takes a pair of plyers to turn the little shaft on the lower unit, be carefull not to damage splines. I also check for proper shifting before i button the whole thing up completely.
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Perfect. It seems you have saved me some agony. I appreciate the guidance mrslab.
Ok, one more question. Do the lower unit and upper need sealant on mating surfaces to keep water out?
No, the lower unit fills with water anyway.
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Thanks again :highfive:
My shifter/lower unit repair was a big failure. I turned the lower shift rod to forward. Shift lever in forward. Assembled. Shift lever will not go into reverse position. Thinking I messed up, I repeated the previous steps but this time set all to neutral. Same result. I have never used this motor so I have no history with it. Is it possible there is some lock that prevents reverse unless the motor is running?
Were it mine I would take it back off and find a GOOD tech to have a look at it. Another option is Iboats.com. I always got good answers there.
I'll check it out. Thanks
Solved the reverse shift trouble. The problem was my ignorance. By design...the motor will not shift to reverse unless running.:Doh:
Sometimes not knowing is the biggest problem. Glad you got it figured out.