Re: 1985 75 horse Merc. no reverse
With engine off.<br /><br />1st determine if the controller is actually moving the cable end at the motor while the throttle is in the idle position and see if the prop "hooks up into gear" (it'll sort of ratchet one way and work the other, then ratchet again in the oposite direction when switching gears)<br /><br />Next disconnect the shift cable at the motor end and move the actauating lever through it's range while the throttle is in the idle position and see if the prop "hooks up into gear" (it'll sort of ratchet one way and work the other, then then ratchet again in the oposite direction when switching gears)<br /><br />If the cable isn't moving, or not moving enough to engage the gear, suspect the cable or controller or cable.<br /><br />If by moving the lever on the motor it doesn't feel like it's doing anything, or just unable to engage a gear when moved in the direction the controller moved it for reverse, suspect shift shaft or lower unit problem.<br /><br />Had you had the lower unit off recently to say replace the impeller and not had reverse since, I would suspect the shift shaft was installed incorrectly.<br /><br />If all the above check out OK you might want to suspect a possible broken hub in the prop. Although somewhat unlikely if forward under power shows no slipping, and reverse shows no action at all.
