Mercury – Quicksilver Shift Lever Assembly | Gear System Component | Steel Construction | 45518A3

Overview

Every smooth gear change on a MerCruiser starts with this small but vital part. The Mercury Marine 45518A3 Quicksilver Shift Lever Assembly keeps your sterndrive shifting clean and precise. It’s the internal lever that connects your control cable to the clutch system, allowing you to shift into gear without grinding or hesitation. Designed for MerCruiser MC-I, R, MR, Alpha One, and Alpha One Gen II drives, this factory-built part is made from tough marine-grade steel that stands up to years of use, heat, and vibration.

Key Features

• Function: Links the shift cable to the clutch system for smooth forward and reverse gear changes.
• Material: Made from high-strength, corrosion-resistant steel built for marine environments.
• Design: Machined to Mercury’s factory specifications for perfect fit and movement.
• Performance: Ensures crisp, accurate shifting and protects your cables from strain.
• Durability: Handles constant motion and pressure without bending or wearing out.
• Compatibility: Works with MerCruiser MC-I, R, MR, Alpha One, and Alpha One Gen II sterndrives.

Engine & Boat Compatibility

• MerCruiser MC-I
• MerCruiser R
• MerCruiser MR
• MerCruiser Alpha One
• MerCruiser Alpha One Gen II

Performance & Real-World Benefits

If you’ve ever felt your shifter hesitate or grind when changing gears, a worn shift lever could be the reason. The 45518A3 lever assembly restores that firm, confident feel in your controls. It’s built to maintain alignment and cable tension, so your sterndrive engages gear smoothly and without chatter.

Installing this new lever helps protect your shift cable and clutch from unnecessary wear — saving you bigger repairs down the road. Once it’s in place, you’ll notice smoother transitions between gears and that solid Mercury “click” when shifting into forward or reverse.

Why Choose Mercury OEM

The Quicksilver 45518A3 is an authentic Mercury Marine part, made to fit and function exactly like the original. Aftermarket versions can look similar but often miss the precise dimensions or use softer metals that wear faster.

Mercury’s OEM components are built to last, using hardened steel and exact machining to handle the torque and stress of daily use. Choosing genuine parts keeps your shift system working the way it was designed — smooth, strong, and reliable.

FAQ

Q1: Which drives is this made for?
It’s made for MerCruiser MC-I, R, MR, Alpha One, and Alpha One Gen II sterndrives.

Q2: What does the shift lever actually do?
It connects your control cable to the clutch system inside the drive, engaging forward or reverse gears when you move the throttle.

Q3: Is it made from metal or composite?
It’s precision-machined steel, treated for corrosion resistance and long-term durability.

Q4: Can I replace it myself?
It requires opening part of the drive, so it’s best handled with the help of a service manual or technician.

Q5: Why buy OEM instead of aftermarket?
OEM means exact fit and factory-tested strength — no guesswork, no sloppy shifting.