Trouble shifting 15 HP 2-stroke Mercury Outboard

[jviss]

First attempt to start my dinghie's outboard this season never got off the ground. It was left in forward gear all winter, and I simply can't shift it into neutral to attempt to start it. Anyone have any insight into what to do? It's a 2001 twin cylinder two stroke 15HP.

Thanks,

jv

 

[Rick Webb]

One Thought

Try turning the prop by hand while your are trying to shift it. Also look at the linkage especially where it is exposed along the shaft housing and where the lock is to keep it from climbing up in reverse to make sure it is not binding up. Have you changed the impellor or any thing since the last time you used it?

 

[jviss]

Couldn't turn the prop, but didn't try while simultaneously trying to shift. Haven't changed anything on this motor.

 

[jviss]

Follow up...

Wow, it's been a while since this post. It turns out the lower unit is seized. Water leaked in some how, and it sat that way over the winter. I opened the oil drain plugs and mostly water came out.

In my experience so far, it's nearly impossible to get a lower rebuilt economically. No one would give me a flat rate quote. A used, apparently working, but not rebuilt lower goes for about $400.

I bought the exact same motor, used, in excellent condition, used in fresh water only, for $850. So, that's my solution.

However, I'd love to get this one fixed and running. If anyone can help, or knows of an economical rebuilder of lowers, please, please let me know!

 

[woodster]

Wow, it's been a while since this post. It turns out the lower unit is seized. Water leaked in some how, and it sat that way over the winter. I opened the oil drain plugs and mostly water came out.

In my experience so far, it's nearly impossible to get a lower rebuilt economically. No one would give me a flat rate quote. A used, apparently working, but not rebuilt lower goes for about $400.

I bought the exact same motor, used, in excellent condition, used in fresh water only, for $850. So, that's my solution.

However, I'd love to get this one fixed and running. If anyone can help, or knows of an economical rebuilder of lowers, please, please let me know!

fwiw you may be better off selling it on e bay as a running top end and be done with it ......

regards

woody