Mercruiser 165 reverse

[marvinjansen]

On my 1973 Mercruiser 165 I am restoring, when I push the throttle forward the prop is locked but when in rerverse it spins both ways, but with a rathcet sound and feel, is this normal? I haven't had time to install the impeller so havent started it yet. Just messing around when I get a second. I am also restoring our old house and the wife has her priorities.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Mercruiser 165 reverse

when I push the throttle forward the prop is locked but when in rerverse it spins both ways, but with a rathcet sound and feel, is this normal?

Nope,... My guess is, the Lower shift cable is Beat...

 

[ziggy]

Re: Mercruiser 165 reverse

this would be the norm

in

fwd.= prop locks ccw, ratchets cw
neu.= prop free wheels, no sound, no feel
rev.= prop locks cw, ratchets ccw

shift cables seem to always be suspect on old boats.

when ya got the lower separated from the upper. try shifting it and see if it meets the criteria. assuming so, something after that is suspect. like a shift cable..

 

[Fishermark]

Re: Mercruiser 165 reverse

the wife has her priorities.

Women!



I agree it sounds like the shift cable is on its way out - but like Ziggy says, be sure to check the shifting when you separate the lower unit.

I recently had an issue with the shift spool wearing which caused problems shifting into reverse. Here's a vid that shows how to check it: (You can print off the template from the online manual).

Shift Spool test