1977 Evinrude 85hp 85793 slips out of reverse

[kmcburnett]

Recently installed a water pump in the motor and now when engage in reverse the motor will slip out of gear if you give it too much gas. If you just pull into reverse and stay low rpm it pulls fine. Is the reverse rod too short or do I need to adjust the cables?

 

[Bosunsmate]

Re: 1977 Evinrude 85hp 85793 slips out of reverse

Adjust cables first as you may of knocked shift shaft while working on pump

 

[emdsapmgr]

Re: 1977 Evinrude 85hp 85793 slips out of reverse

It's possible that you turned the shift rod (inadvertently) when you did the water pump. That rod must be set at a specific height and that is determined by turning the shift rod in/out in the lower unit. The adjustment of the shift cable end inside the cowling will permit a slight adjustment to the shift range, working from the top of the engine. That may correct your problem. If not, you may have to pull the lower unit down again and reset the shift rod height to that exact height specified in the factory service manual.