1997 Evinrude 150 Lower Unit reverse problem (no reverse)

[BenPainter]

I bought a 1997 Pro-line with the original engine, an Evinrude Ocean Pro 150hp, a couple weeks ago as a project boat. I wasn't able to get any history on the boat so it is a work in progress. I have searched all the other threads but can put together a trouble shooting plan for my reverse problem. Everything on the powerhead checks out fine and runs well (compression is good)

My main problem is shifting. At first I thought it was a shifter problem since it was "rigged" but after working that out, i still have a problem. The engine will idle in neutral and shift fine into forward but will not engage the reverse gear. I disconnected the shifter cable so I could manipulate the shifter lever at the engine. Thus eliminating the cable and shifter at the helm as the problem. The shifter lever at the engine has full range of motion, so it is not getting hung up on anything. With the engine shifter lever in the middle of its range of motion, the prop spins freely. With it pushed forward the prop locks both ways as it should when it is in gear. But when i pull the lever back to engage reverse, reverse does not engage and the prop spins freely just like in neutral. There is no grinding, clicking or "noises" at any point, Reverse just doesn't engage.

I assume i am going to have to pull the lower unit, and check the adjustment on the shifter, but dont think that is the problem since the lever is in the correct "position" for neutral and forward. I ordered the shop manual, but still waiting for it. I dont have a lot of experience with lower units other than oil, water pumps etc..

I am hoping for an easy fix, but need to know what to look for first.

Any ideas or "steps" of a troubleshooting plan would be appreciated.

thanks

 

[Faztbullet]

Re: 1997 Evinrude 150 Lower Unit reverse problem (no reverse)

Check to see if the upper motor mount bolts are loose/missing as this is commonly seen. If so it will bend the upper part of shift shaft resulting in no reverse

 

[boobie]

Re: 1997 Evinrude 150 Lower Unit reverse problem (no reverse)

If you don't find anything wrong as stated above, I think it's gear case tear down time.

 

[BenPainter]

Re: 1997 Evinrude 150 Lower Unit reverse problem (no reverse)

Check to see if the upper motor mount bolts are loose/missing as this is commonly seen. If so it will bend the upper part of shift shaft resulting in no reverse

thanks, that is the first I have heard of that one, I take a look at it in the AM!!

 

[BenPainter]

Re: 1997 Evinrude 150 Lower Unit reverse problem (no reverse)

Well you guys might get a kick out of this...

I checked the upper motor mount and there was no problem there. As I said, i had already disconnected the shift cable at the engine to eliminate the shifter or cable as the problem. Turns out the last owner had installed the engine shift cable clamp up side down so the small tab that extends from the bottom of the clamp actually was on top and blocking the shift lever.

A much easier day than I thought I would be having.

Thanks for your help