mercontrol wont go into reverse!!

[PortDan77]

well here we go.... tire of fishing from jetties, beaches and any other areas from shore. got a free boat from a guy. YUP its free and ugly. the boat i can fix and the 1965 mercury 90HP runs. BUT the mercontrol lever will not reverse. foward no issues just the reverse. new to fixing control boxes and BOAT engines, but i learn easy when working hands on. Any ideas why the lever will not reverse? thanks for any and all help.

 

[merc850]

Re: mercontrol wont go into reverse!!

The design of the shift mech will make it hard or impossible to shift unless the motor is running or you turn the prop when shifting with motor not running. If it's not shifting while running the shift and control shafts are out of synch.

 

[CharlieB]

Re: mercontrol wont go into reverse!!

Disconnect the shift cable at the motor, with the motor OFF, turn the prop with your foot while manually moving the shift lever on the motor, will it shift into Reverse now?

If so, shift the gearcase back to Neutral, shift the controll arm to Neutral, look at the two linkages, do they line up?

If not adjust the trunnion on the shift cable so the linkages line up and reconnect.

Use the control and shift into Forward gear, does the prop lock one direction and ratchet if turned the other direction?

Return to Neutral, have a helper shift into Reverse while you turn the prop, does the prop lock when trying to turn either direction?

If yes, then fire it up and try it out.

 

[PortDan77]

Re: mercontrol wont go into reverse!!

Will find out tonight! almost want to call out of work to try it! Lol