No reverse ??

[Hogsters]

Hi Everyone.
I have a 'new' used boat with a 96 90hp Mercury (#06359277) . Third trip out today with it. Reverse stopped working - it goes in forward in the F and R shifter position. I took the cowling off and the shifter cables are moving the linkage. I do not know much about motor repair.

 

[Hogsters]

Re: No reverse ??

Someone told me Mercury's are nortorious for "sticky drive shafts" from storing motor in neutral or reverse that this can cause spring to go bad or weaken. That they should be stored in forward. Does this sound legit?? I am completely ignorant when it comes to outboard motors.