had water pump problems now motor won't go into reverse

[mercnewbie]

Hi everyone, I had was pump problems and that has been taken care of. However now when I try to accelerate I only get one speed (slow) in forward and I have no reverse on my 1984(?) Merc 50HP outboard with the red band. Any suggestions??

 

[hotrod53]

Re: had water pump problems now motor won't go into reverse

Sounds like the lower unit was put back on out of sync with the shift shaft. Guys have different techniques on how to do this, some put the unit in neutral and slip it on, some put it in reverse. Also be sure that the step gear around the shift shaft is put back in correctly, it can go on a whole bunch of ways. That gear determines if your reverse lockout paws latch in reverse and are free in FWD and Neutral, I'll bet that you find out that it is out of whack too. Your step gear should be lifting the reverse lock shaft to the highest point when in reverse, therefore pushing the rod up and locking the paw around the rod.

While I'm not the expert on how to sync those up and someone did mine for me, if I had to do it I think that I could. I'm sure someone else will chime in.

 

[curry99]

Re: had water pump problems now motor won't go into reverse

Having same issue here today. Replaced water pump in my 1975 Mark Twain, I/O 188 HP. I am unable to get into gear, reverse or FWD. I have removed the lower unit and put it back together hoping something would line up better but still nothing. It is a bit labor intensive, so I am seeking other ideas...

Thanks in advance!

 

[Chris1956]

Re: had water pump problems now motor won't go into reverse

Mercnewbie, You may have a couple of issues. First make sure the throttle cable is connected properly. Remove the wrap cowl. Now watch the two cables. Move the throttle handle forward and make sure the lower cable moves first. Aftet the lower (shift) cable stops moving, the upper throttle cable should move and the carbs should open nearly all the way.

Let us know what is happening.

 

[mercnewbie]

Re: had water pump problems now motor won't go into reverse

The cables are working properly as you stated.

 

[Chris1956]

Re: had water pump problems now motor won't go into reverse

OK, If she moves slow in forward, U would take a compression test and a spark test. Let's rule out bad compression and bad ignition.

The gears are easily fixed as hotrod described. I use neutral when reassembling.

 

[charlie741]

Re: had water pump problems now motor won't go into reverse

I did this on a 75? 402 earlier this year and I learned how to fix it by pics on another thread. I don't have pics but I don't think you will need them.
Choose which ever setting on your controller - I prefer reverse, see why below.
The small spline shaft sticking up from the lower unit controls the shifting F - N - R
Rotate that shaft, to select the same gear as on the controller, the prop will help you find it.
Forward - Prop locked in one direction, rachets or clicks when turned the other.
Nuetral - Prop spins freely in both directions
Reverse - Prop locked in both directions - of course you can still muscle it with the unit off.
With reverse being locked to the shaft it makes it easier to spin the prop to get the main drive shaft to line up at the top when going back together.

The earlier post is correct on the reverse locks - the cam should be tallest when in reverse.
I know my motor is 10 years older, but hopefully this helps.

 

[jlconrad24]

Re: had water pump problems now motor won't go into reverse

Thanks Charlie741 you are a life saver. Been hunting for explanation for over two weeks. Asked dozens of people, called, all of the marine shops around, and searched to no end online. Read your post well after bed time, went back to the garage, tore it down for the sixth time and I believe she is working right now.