25 hp no reverse

intubait

Recruit
Joined
Nov 28, 2009
Messages
3
i have a 2003 25 hp mercury 2 stroke.intermittantly it won't go into reverse.the handle won't turn.when it does work it goes into gear easily.
 

Texasmark

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Dec 20, 2005
Messages
14,785
Re: 25 hp no reverse

First I would have to assume that no obvious physical damage has occurred to cause this problem.

Then I would suspect lack of proper lube in all the areas where things turn against other things...like shafts rotating in retainers, gears against gears.

Last I would drain the lower unit and check the oil condition.

Get back with the results.

Mark
 

Yepblaze

Lieutenant Commander
Joined
Jun 1, 2001
Messages
1,686
Re: 25 hp no reverse

I guess you mean while it's running, because they don't shift well when not.
 

Texasmark

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Dec 20, 2005
Messages
14,785
Re: 25 hp no reverse

I guess you mean while it's running, because they don't shift well when not.

Good point Yep. I forgot to mention that.

INTU:

like yep said shifting can be a problem when the engine is off. Usually you can shift into
F from N quite easily. But the F and R gears are on the same propshaft and the R gears can get crown to crown alignment (while the F gear is crown to trough) which means that the top of a tooth of the drive gear on the driveshaft attempts to mate with the top of the R gear on the propshaft. Hence top to top, no engagement and no shifting.

To ensure that you don't have a mechanical problem, slowly rotate the prop while attempting to shift to R. If that allows it to shift easily then if you want to shift to R with the engine stopped, just rotate the prop till it shifts. No biggie.

Mark
 

intubait

Recruit
Joined
Nov 28, 2009
Messages
3
Re: 25 hp no reverse

the oil was changed,and it occurs while i am trying to back into my slip,so turning the prop in 30 degree water is not an option.
 

Texasmark

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Dec 20, 2005
Messages
14,785
Re: 25 hp no reverse

Well, that says that you have the engine running which would direct you to consider my initial answers.

Mark
 

Yepblaze

Lieutenant Commander
Joined
Jun 1, 2001
Messages
1,686
Re: 25 hp no reverse

Many motors will have an anti motor lift in reverse, and some of those are cam operated.

Make sure it's working freely if so equipped.
 
Top