Hi guys my 64 merc shifter is all funky and I can’t find it in the Manual. It won’t lock in park I disassembled it and it looks like there are 2 springs in the knob that are supposed to keep the detent in place. Should I try and fix this or just replace it with an after market shifter? I have read all the posts how this shifter and neutral safety switch were sub par at best when new. Thoughts? Ideas?
Look at one for a Mustang, I think they are similar, except the release knob. (edit) Well, they are both floor mounted anyway.
This one is a '66 s55/Galaxie XL version, with it's Pinto-style T-handle removed. It mounts to the console instead of the floor, but the floor mounted ones are real similar. I would still try to keep yours, one thing I did to mine was to clean up the detents with a file, kinda like stoning the sear on a trigger, and of course clean and lube everything.
‘64 Merc’s are too cool they way they are, if you cannot fix it try and find a replacement, I believe big Fords from the same era are exact.
Clean and lube everything so you know every moving part can go full travel. Inspect the detent and gate, some filing or even some welding and grinding might be needed. It's a pretty simple shifter, I can't imagine it being too hard to fix. As far as those shifters being troublesome, I've been running mine for 200,000 miles trouble free.
Everything moves fine I think the springs under the knob are just collapsed and weak not pulling the finger up into the detent properly I’ll bring the springs to work and see if I can match up some new ones.
Also keep in mine the detents inside the trans itself are prone to wearing on the corners and do not lock into place correctly causing them to pop out of gear at times. have had to replace a few over the years. It is not a performance shifter by any means, but have never know anyone to have any real problems either. Always had good luck with the ones I had . Larry
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