1977 Evinrude won't go into reverse

[k9shiloh]

On my 1st trip out this season, I cannot get my 175 hp evinrude into reverse. I thought it might be a linkage problem, but was unable to put it into revers manually. It made a grinding sound and the linkage bounces up and down. Dropped the lower unit and am able to put engage forward and reverse, but it is difficult. Any help would be appreciated.

 

[almost retired again]

Re: 1977 Evinrude won't go into reverse

What year is this 175? Is it a manual shift, or, hydro-electric? Need more info.

 

[k9shiloh]

Re: 1977 Evinrude won't go into reverse

1977 175, mechanical shift - hydraulic assist. I drained the fluid last night and it was dirty, but no water and no metal flakes. It did seem to be a little low though. Reading the manual, they say to be sure that the fluid is clean and full - but can that cause it to not go into reverse?

 

[SK8676]

Re: 1977 Evinrude won't go into reverse

I have a 1984 175 HP Evinrude that I also had trouble with going into reverse. When I ran it in the yard, it seemed to work, but when I tried to back it off the trailer, it made a grinding sound. What I did to correct my problem, was adjust the cable and tension. However, if yours will not shift by hand, you might want to check the upper linkage, to make sure that it is not binding on anything.