Merc Outboard No Reverse

[brodie123]

I've aquired a Merc 65hp Outboard - approx mid 80's that has no reverse with the controls on. I adjusted the cable as far over as she will go but the gears only clatter. If I take the controls off I can push the shift lever a little further enough to engage but I'm guessing it should not have to be that way.

I fear stripped gears. Any suggestions on where I should look for possible cause?

 

[brodie123]

Re: Merc Outboard No Reverse

Any guesses here at all?

 

[pmoreel]

Re: Merc Outboard No Reverse

I've got exactly the same problem and i am searching the forum too.

So please can anybody help us!!!!!!!!

 

[smplesoft]

Re: Merc Outboard No Reverse

Before you put the lower unit back on was your shifter in forward gear? This is where it needs to be because when you remove the lower unit it gets disconnected from the shift rod and the lower unit snaps into forward gear. I an no expert but on two different Mercury lower units that I rebuit both manuals stated that disassembly / reassembly needs to be done in forward gear.

 

[smplesoft]

Re: Merc Outboard No Reverse

Im sorry, I mistated the last post. Make sure the lower unit and shifter are in forward gear before reassembly. The prop shaft will not rotate counterclockwise when it is in forward gear.

 

[joed]

Re: Merc Outboard No Reverse

Agree. Sounds like an impeller change was done and the lower unit was not in the proper gear to align with the shifter when reassembled.

 

[pmoreel]

Re: Merc Outboard No Reverse

I can not answer for brodie123 but in my case i did put it back together in forward.