Mariner Reverse Lock

[minuteman62-64]

Here's another reverse lock problem (seem to be a lot of these). 1982 Mariner 30 hp, exclusively used in salt water, last used in 1992. I vaguely remenber a problem with the motor tilting up when applying some throttle in reverse at that time.

Fast forward to present. Motor brought back to life, seems to run good. However, the reverse lock won't engage. I have the official Mariner Service Manual, which is heavy on the stuff I'll probably never do (new piston rings, major overhaul, etc.) and light on the stuff I want to do (like fix the reverse lock). At least it helps me to ID the parts.

I can determine that the rear Tilt Lock Hook will not move. Since this is what is supposed to engage the Tilt Rod Assembly, it seems like it has to move (pivot around the pin) to engage the reverse lock. So, I'm thinking a first step should be to use a little gentle persuasion to free up the Rear Tilt Lock Hook (and Front Tilt Lock Hook, if necessary). Maybe a liberal application of WD40/Liquid Wrench with some gentle (maybe vigorous) tapping.

Two questions:

1. Am I on the right track?

2. Assuming freeing up the mechanism is the proper first step, should the transmission be in forward, neutral or reverse when applying the "gentle persuasion" (to avoid damaging any internal components along the shift rod path)?

Appreciate your group wisdom.

 

[bluefin_1900]

Re: Mariner Reverse Lock

If your reverse lock works the same as my '81 60hp does it has a for lack of better word "ramp" that moves the lock. You can find it by dropping the lower unit, which you should do anyway to check your impeller since it has set for so long, IMO. Once the lower,is down you will be able to se the ramp that rotates as you change from F,N,R. Look up in the mid section and you will see the rod that rides on the ramp, you could tap on that a little and then on the lock back and forth till you work it free. A little PB plaster or WD 40 may help as well.

 

[minuteman62-64]

Re: Mariner Reverse Lock

Darn. I was afraid of that. I was hoping I could fix this with all external work (I just had the impeller replaced but the guy didn't pick up on the reverse lock issue). Almost all of the posts on the reverse lock problem start with "..... drop the lower unit." The way it's discussed in this forum it appears that you guys do it all the time. I never have - guess I'll have to do some more research.

 

[minuteman62-64]

Re: Mariner Reverse Lock

Took another look at my Service Manual. My problem is that the expoded views show the lower shift shaft, but not the upper shift shaft or shift lever. So, there is nothing that shows any sort of connection between the shifting mechanism and the Front Tilt Lock Hook or Rear Tilt Lock Hook. Seems like, if those hooks are to engage the tilt rod in neutral and reverse, there has to be some connection between the shift lever or upper shift shaft and those components. Is there a source for a diagram that shows this mechanism in better/more complete detail?

 

[carholme]

Re: Mariner Reverse Lock

What is the s/n of your engine and are you sure that it is a 1982?

Gerry

 

[minuteman62-64]

Re: Mariner Reverse Lock

The Serial No. is: 689407533. My best try at reading one of the recommended serial number references indicates it is a 1982.

 

[carholme]

Re: Mariner Reverse Lock

Here is the parts listing for your engine:

s/n 689-401216 thru 689-411946

http://www.crowleymarine.com/mercury-outboard/655.cfm

Look under CLAMP AND SWIVEL BRACKET/REVERSE LOCK.

If they are corroded from salt, you are probably going to have to disassemble as much of the reverse lock system to get it freed up.

Gerry

 

[minuteman62-64]

Re: Mariner Reverse Lock

Actually, the Clamp and Swivel Bracket/Reverse Lock diagrams are in my Service Manual. However, the Gear Shift Linkage diagram is not - that seems to fill in the gap.

I'm new at this, but, since the motor shifts properly, it would seem that things along most of the shift rod path are OK - certainly from the lower shift rod down. Seems like I should start my work at the shift handle and work down rather than pulling the lower unit and working up? (yes, that's a question

 

[Wingedwheel]

Re: Mariner Reverse Lock

I doubt you're going to get to the root of the problem without(ahem) dropping the LU. its actually very easy and if you just had the impeller done, it should come right off. There's also the possibility that the guy who did the impeller may have not installed the reverse lock cam correctly. Another easy fix.

 

[minuteman62-64]

Re: Mariner Reverse Lock

Looking at the diagrams on http://www.crowleymarine.com/mercury-outboard/655.cfm I can't identify a "Reverse Lock Cam". Can anyone ID this component on one of these diagrams, by Part No.?

 

[Wingedwheel]

Re: Mariner Reverse Lock

Minuteman, after looking at the diagram, I can't seem to find the cam either. however, I do see that your set-up is different than what I was thinking. What I would do is follow the connections from the clamp lock back through all the hook-ups to see what is connected that could be a release. There will be something that works with your shift lever to lock or unlock that clamp.

 

[carholme]

Re: Mariner Reverse Lock

Look at item 36 in this link:

http://www.crowleymarine.com/mercury-outboard/parts/655_170.cfm

Item 35 in this link:


http://www.crowleymarine.com/mercury-outboard/parts/655_160.cfm

Gerry

 

[Wingedwheel]

Re: Mariner Reverse Lock

Good job Gerry

 

[minuteman62-64]

Re: Mariner Reverse Lock

Reason #25 why I'm not an outboard motor mechanic (or any other kind). I was gazing a the Mariner yesterday and noticed the Tilt Lever was at an odd angle. I pushed it down, there was a little "ping", and the reverse lock dropped into place. Duhhhhhhhh!

I may still have a problem - but it is not the frozen mechanism I was originally thinking. I'll have to re-install the motor on the transom to investigate more thoroughly (it's on a small stand now that inhibits easy access and movement). Once I do, all of the input from you guys will be my guide. I'll be back on this thread in a couple of weeks, with either a "problem solved" or a plea for more help.

Thanks for all of the input!