Mercury 40 Service Manual page 504

8. Install locknut and washer. Torque nut to specified torque.
a -
9. Check shift operation.
a. In NEUTRAL, propeller shaft should turn freely in either direction.
b. In FORWARD, propeller shaft SHOULD NOT TURN COUNTERCLOCKWISE.
c. In REVERSE, propeller shaft SHOULD NOT TURN IN EITHER DIRECTION.
IMPORTANT: If shift operation is not as described, remove the gear housing and cor-
rect the shift operation.
Trim Tab Adjustment and Replacement
IMPORTANT: The trim tab is made of a special alloy to aid in protecting the drive shaft
housing and gear housing from galvanic corrosion (corrosion and pitting of metal
surfaces). Do not paint or place protective coating on the trim tab, or trim tab corro-
sion protection function will be lost.
Replace trim tab if 50% (or more) corroded. Mark location of old trim tab on anti-ventilation
plate before removal; install new trim tab in same location.
1. Check trim tab position as follows:
a. Operate boat at the speed at which it would normally be operated.
b. If the boat pulls to the right (starboard), the trailing edge of trim tab must be moved
2. If necessary, adjust trim tab as follows:
a. Shift engine control into NEUTRAL and turn ignition key to "OFF" position.
NOTE: Loosen trim tab bolt sufficiently to allow trim tab to disengage from locking ridges
in gear case before attempting to move tab. DO NOT strike trim tab with a hard object to
make adjustments.
90-828631R3 MARCH 1999
Locknut and Washer
Nut Torque
40 lb-ft (54.2 Nm)
to the right. If the boat pulls to the left (port), the trailing edge of trim tab must be
moved to the left.
NON-BIGFOOT GEAR HOUSING
a
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