'97 25hp classic stuck in reverse

[sear99]

I have a 1997 25hp Mercury outboard 2-stroke. I took it out fishing for the first time this year. I was still catching bait when it got stuck in reverse. <br />The cables still move. I think the problem is in the lower unit. I haven't changed the oil, but am planning on it. <br />any advice would help. thanks

 

[reka12]

Re: '97 25hp classic stuck in reverse

You might want to ceck to see if the shift shaft has become disconnected. Look to see if the retainer connecting the shift shaft is latched.

 

[ehenry]

Re: '97 25hp classic stuck in reverse

Have you replaced the impeller recently or had the lower unit off for any reason? If so there is a washer that slides down on the shift shaft that may not been reinstalled. The same thing happened to my 25 hp merc and thats what it was.

 

[sear99]

Re: '97 25hp classic stuck in reverse

-Is the shift shaft in the lower unit? also where is the retainer?<br /><br />-haven't replaced anything, and haven't had lower unit off. could the washer on the shift shaft be a problem anyway?<br /><br />-going to check lower unit oil this weekend, haven't changed it since last fall. hopefully it will be clean and free of metal. haven't even checked to see if the prop spins or ratchets in diff. gears. also going to check that this weekend. <br /><br />-anyone know what the prop should do in FWD, REV, and NEUT???<br />thanks