{"id":1537,"date":"2022-07-23T17:47:47","date_gmt":"2022-07-23T17:47:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.boatingsports.org\/?p=1537"},"modified":"2022-09-17T18:20:37","modified_gmt":"2022-09-17T18:20:37","slug":"how-to-adjust-the-shift-rod-on-a-mercury-outboard","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.boatingsports.org\/how-to-adjust-the-shift-rod-on-a-mercury-outboard\/","title":{"rendered":"How Do You Adjust The Shift Rod on A Mercury Outboard?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

What if I asked you what\u2019s the most complicated thing to do in your boat? Well, I don’t know about yours, but my answer would definitely be to re-install the lower part of my mercury outboard.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

When we think about it, common questions pop up in our minds & one of them is how do you adjust the shift rod on a mercury outboard?<\/strong> Sometimes we do not exactly know how to line up the shift linkage with the shift rod on the outboard?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Wanna hear something good<\/strong>? You got yourself in the right place at the right time. Today we will talk in detail about adjusting the shift rod on a mercury outboard. We will show you a simple beginner friendly process<\/strong> about adjusting the shift rod<\/strong> & lining up the shift linkage.<\/strong> We will share tips & valuable information along the way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How Do You Adjust The Shift Rod on A Mercury Outboard<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Okay before we get to the main stuff, you should know that working on outboards is relatively easier. So, work with attention & patience, we hope you\u2019ll be able to do it easily. Here are the steps you need to follow for adjusting the shift rod on a mercury outboard: <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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  1. You should know that each mercury outboard will have a different length for the shift rod. The length depends on the type of motor it uses & HP. So if possible, check these things out which will help you to have clear knowledge about it.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n
    1. Now, we go to the main part. You need to know the shift rod height. We suggest you take the height between the surfaceof the gearcase & shift rod hole.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n
      1. Next up, put the shift rod in neutral. It will surely increase the effectiveness. <\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n
        1. The offset should be facing forward. Again double check if it is in neutral & the offset is forward, after that you are good to go. <\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n
          1. For measurement of the height, we used a ruler. But it would be best if you use any ready made measuring tool. So, get yourself either one of them. <\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n
            1. In case you decide to use a ruler too, you can add a drill to the ruler. So tape it up on the expected height of the ruler. <\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n
              1. Make sure the ruler & the gear selector are in parallel position. <\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n
                1. While measuring, make sure it is not too low, if it unfortunately is then it\u2019s going to cause you trouble in the reversing time.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n
                  1. After measurement, note it down. You should get a similar height according to the picture shown in point 2. <\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n
                    1. Check if there is any problem with selecting gears or the gears itself. Although there shouldn\u2019t be any problem now.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n
                      1. Have a look at the cables.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n
                        1. The other controls should be working perfectly as well.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n
                          1.  If everything is okay, it should go into reverse fine.<\/li><\/ol>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                            How to Line Up the Shift Linkage with the shift Rod on a Mercury Outboard<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                            Another common question we get is about lining up the shift linkage.<\/strong> When we want to reinstall the lower unit the shift linkage pin alignment can be troublesome for many of us.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                            Do not worry, we are going to take care of it. Follow these easy steps & line up the shift linkage on your mercury outboard. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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                            1. First, you need to identify what gear the boat is on. Is it forward or neutral?<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n
                              1. Now that you have identified, make sure the lower unit & the top is in the same gear.  The easiest way you can do it is by disconnecting the shifter cables & moving the shifter by hand.  We suggest you keep it neutral. <\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n
                                1.  To put the shift rod into neutral as well, either lift it up or push it down. <\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n
                                  1. In case you want to put it in forward, note it down that you won\u2019t be able to move the propeller. <\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n
                                    1. You can rotate your drive shaft at the top. By this the propeller should spin forward. <\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n
                                      1. Put the top also forward. So again, the gear should be the same in both parts.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n
                                        1. At this point, when you should try getting the lower unit up in the hole. However, there can still be a little bit of misaligning & you cannot get that screw which connects the motor. <\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n
                                          1. Many people make a common mistake by turning the shifter upside down. We hope you won\u2019t do that & keep the shifter in a perfect position.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n
                                            1. You will find a simple screw design at the power part of the shift rod. Rotate the shift rod & it will go  up or down. <\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n
                                              1.  Give it one turn in either direction & hopefully it will screw the lineman up. But sometimes it\u2019s still not perfect.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n
                                                1.  We suggest you get the engine on top & the lower unit in the same gear, align it perfectly. <\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n
                                                  1.  Also try to test the actual shifting. If the shift rod needs to be a bit adjusted, then do it. <\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n
                                                    1.  When they are connected, you can put it forward, neutral or reverse.   <\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n
                                                      1.  Test the propeller, we hope  you will find it nice & smooth.<\/li><\/ol>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                        That should do the job. We hope you can now line up the shift linkage with the shift rod<\/strong> in one go & won\u2019t face any problems. Follow the tips we shared to make it perfect. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                        Final Thought<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                        So if anyone asks you how do you adjust the shift rod on a mercury outboard? <\/strong>We hope that you know the answer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                        The processes are simple, but it can be time consuming<\/strong> & you need to have patience.<\/strong> But hey, the mercury outboard<\/strong> is one of the most important parts of our boats. So, no matter which process you need to follow, do it right for the betterment of your boats. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                        In case of adjusting the shift rod,<\/strong> keep the height chart in mind & keep a special  eye on the ruler & gear selector. On the other hand if you are having trouble with lining up the shift linkage<\/strong>, try to keep the two gears the same. Also, do not turn the shifter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                        We hope that you have your answer. Other than this if you have any queries or suggestions contact us. Till then, take care & drive safe.<\/p>\n\n\n

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