I did a post a while back regarding linkage and the plunger for reverse/lock I believe it is. I just converted over to manual shift brackets and mounted that piece where the two oil lines go. When manually shifting the plunger never moves in/out as the cam rotates from shifting on the trans.

If I recall someone said this is for a reverse lock out or something. Problem is when I bolted it up it never moves. Do I have something hooked up wrong?

Tks for any help. I just don't want issues when engines are in boat.

Other pic

The plunger does not ride directly on the cam. There is a small lever that rides on the cam and the plunger sits on top of the lever. Lever pivots on a bolt directly to the front of the cam, towards the engine. It's probably just hanging there pointing straight down right now. Gonna have to remove or at least loosen the lockout assembly and swing the lever around in place. You'll want to put some grease on the cam also for the lever to ride on.

That reverse lock out valve has a check ball in it that restricts the flow of fluid when in reverse so the drive won't pop up. If you can remember, don't ever work the trim when in reverse. You will just be causing a lot of unnecessary pressure going on in the trim system.

Also riding on that cam is a neutral safety start switch. Lot of boats use one installed on the throttle/shifter at the helm so you may not need that switch hooked up. All depends on how your boat is wired.

All info on that tranny is covered in Mercruser Service Manual #2

Tks for your help. I will look a little closer in the morning. I recall last thread a few months ago you mentioning that it doesn't ride directly on that cam but not looking at it at the time it went right over my head. I should be able to figure it out if I look closer as I was in an awkward position earlier while mocking it up. I will make sure it's greases good. I cleaned it off earlier when I was trying to see if the plunger came out further plus I wanted to use new grease anyway as the old was firming up a bit.

It's gonna drive me nuts now til morning cause I can't believe I missed seeing the lever your referring to. I do recall when taking the electric shift assm off last year there was pressure on the plunger. Just hope I didn't lose anything. I have neutral safety in throttles so will eliminate the one on the trans to keep it clean.

Tks so much for your help. Will let you know how I make out I the am

Does the lever look similar to the natural safety switch/metal prongs

No, it is a solid aluminum piece. It is very short and right next to the cam. You will see the 7/16" hex bolt head there that it pivots on.

Often if the shift linkage is not in reverse when installing the reverse lock valve, the undue pressure will snap the cam follower in pieces. If you need one, I will throw one in a envelope and send it to you...no charge....I have hundreds... www.kcmarinetr.com

Thank you all for your help. I rolled engine/trans into a little better light and there it was staring right at me. I was anticipating the worst and with the help of you here I found the obvious lever. It was hiding behind a wire loom. Greased all up and engine going in tonight with hopes of clearance its evil twin will be next. Thought I'd post a pic in which case someone ever comes across the same. Appreciate all the help. Feel much better with engines going in not having to deal with any unknowns.
Tks again
John

Thanks to picklenjim I prevented potential bearings and seals going out of the trans. I had engines with trans mounted for over a year now waiting til I was closer to get the boat in paint. Along with the help of getting everything in place for the the reverse lock etc he also sent a pm and made note many with same set up forget to install pilot bearings in the crank especially with new engine installs or even rebuilds with perhaps new cranks.

So yes I had to pull both trans, plates etc and install today. A very easy thing to miss especially if your not familiar with this ancient set up. I was able to remove the pilot bearings from old cranks which were in great shape not with a micro puller but the old school way with pumping grease inside behind the bearing until completely full and air free. Then drove a dowel in through the pilot hole and after a few refills with grease they popped out.

Only posting this for future boaters on the board who maybe facing the same thing at some point. Some times little things can be easily overlooked.

Tks again
Glad I caught the pilot bearings before I installed engines.

Pic of pilot bearing from original engine