foward no reverse

[raceit666]

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------<br />Hi , I have a 4 cyl merc W/ a alph 1 drive its a 1989 ok it was running great last year. i winterized it and put it to sleep...i just started it up and low and behold ....i have no reverse. the shift cable was disconnected from the engine and worked manually it moves freely it also is moving the shiftshaft. it goes right into foward with no problem .when i move it to go into reverse it seems like it isnt going anyfather then netural.the shiftshaft it turning all the way to the right {looking from inside the boat} but not a click nothing no bad noises at all .the manual does not tell me anything about having foward and no reverse ???i am confused help please.......

 

[WillyBWright]

Re: foward no reverse

See how much end play you have in the propshaft. Around 1/8" is okay. Much more and the shifter can't travel far enough to engage the gear. Most out-of-the-blue reverse shifting problems in Mercs or MerCruisers just out of storage is caused by water in the gearcase. The water freezes and pushes the bearing carrier (and reverse gear) back. It's immediately evident if you have a bunch of propshaft end play. I've seen this happen a few times, and there was no other obvious outward sign of a problem. No leaks, no nothing, just no reverse.

 

[raceit666]

Re: foward no reverse

wow thanks i will check ..if this is the problem???/whats the cure ?<br /><br /> Jerry