80 HP Merc won't shift

[b4413]

When I brought my old 80 HP Merc outboard out of winter storage, I find that I cannot shift the unit. It will go into forward with some force, but will not shift into reverse at all. I assume that this is a cable issue, but the attachment to the engine is difficult to get at. Is there any easy way to check cable vs engine? Am I not seeing the practical way to disconnect these cables?<br /><br />I also noted that the prop will only turn freely in one diection - even when the shift lever appears to be in neutral. Is that an indication that I'm truly not getting it into neutral?<br /><br /><br />The Bob

 

[kenny b]

Re: 80 HP Merc won't shift

the first thing you need to do is remove cables from engine, but keep them seperate. check for feel and tension, they should be very easy to move. if there not then you're already half way home. go out and buy both cables new. there should be a nut on the throttle cable and a flip side to side top on the shift cable. I hope this helps.