Problem with reverse

[Darol Wester]

I just finished pulling and reinstalling the lower unit of my 1978, 260 Merc outdrive for servicing/new water pump kit. I've done this several times with no problems. This time, it goes into forward with it's usual grind at the beginning and feels normal. When I try reverse, it does the normal grind but won't engage. With it in reverse, I can spin the prop both ways with some clicking. I followed the instructions in the manual for rotating the shift spline on the lower unit full clockwise and the prop locks to counterclockwise when installing. Everything lined up nice. ??? I'm guessing I missed it by maybe one spline???

What's my problem here???

 

[ericp501]

Re: Problem with reverse

I just did the same thing and having the same problem! Hows your shift cable? I took mine off the linkage and tried pushing it by hand and its really stiff. I connected a hose to the end of the cable and filled it with BP blaster and tried blowing it down the cable with an air compressor. The cable is moving better but still stiff, its going into forward gear but I'm having a little trouble with reverse. I have the cable tied up with the hose filled with more BP blaster being gravity fed. I hope by tomorrow it frees up the cable and everything works as it should.

 

[stonyloam]

Re: Problem with reverse

. This time, it goes into forward with it's usual grind at the beginning and feels normal. When I try reverse, it does the normal grind but won't engage. ?? I'm guessing I missed it by maybe one spline???

What's my problem here???

Probably not. If you were "off a spline" the gearhousing would be in reverse or neutral and the control handle would be jammed. You might have a problem with the shift slide (at end of cable) not being properly engaged. Can you move the control handle freely from WOT forward to WOT reverse, or does it start to jam as you get close to WOT forward?

 

[Darol Wester]

Re: Problem with reverse

Probably not. If you were "off a spline" the gearhousing would be in reverse or neutral and the control handle would be jammed. You might have a problem with the shift slide (at end of cable) not being properly engaged. Can you move the control handle freely from WOT forward to WOT reverse, or does it start to jam as you get close to WOT forward?

I just went out and tried the controls and they move freely through forward and reverse and back again, just as they have always felt. Smooth. I probably should loosen the outdrive and take a look again at the shift slide.

 

[Pete104]

Re: Problem with reverse

You could have worn rooler on the shift arm. Or your cables are really marginal.
You definitly NOT off a spline!

Nobody knows what your workin' on, either!

 

[Darol Wester]

Re: Problem with reverse

In my first post I stated it was a 1978 Merc 260 outdrive. We replaced the lower unit 8-10 years ago with a new one. The cables was replaced about 5 years ago.

This boat hits the water 3-4 times a year for 3-5 days at a wack.

 

[Darol Wester]

Re: Problem with reverse

I was looking at where the shift shafts join, and with it in reverse, the prop won't catch a gear. But, if I push slightly on the shift shaft counter clockwise, the gear engages. My question now is, might there be an adjustment on the controls or elsewhere that I can work with to allow it to swing that little bit farther into gear?

 

[ericp501]

Re: Problem with reverse

You've gotta keep me updated.. I won't be able to work on my boat again till next weekend but I am having the same exact problem. Did you pull the lower cable off at the engine and try shifting it in and out of gear by hand? Mine is a little stiff but I can still get it to move, I'm gonna try adjusting it next time I see the boat, otherwise I'm gonna have to put a new cable in. If you pull the outdrive again or something just let me know what you did and how it worked out or didn't..

 

[Bondo]

Re: Problem with reverse

I was looking at where the shift shafts join, and with it in reverse, the prop won't catch a gear. But, if I push slightly on the shift shaft counter clockwise, the gear engages. My question now is, might there be an adjustment on the controls or elsewhere that I can work with to allow it to swing that little bit farther into gear?

Ayuh,.... Replace the Lower Cable,... They wear, internally, 'n loose their total travel...

 

[Darol Wester]

Re: Problem with reverse

I was just looking from below at where the shift shafts meet, and when in forward, they are both turned a bit to port. (About 3 minutes before noon) Counter clockwise. Is this acceptable or did something get bent somehow.

 

[stonyloam]

Re: Problem with reverse

It should point straight ahead. You might try adjusting the cable. Start at page 90 here: http://www.perfprotech.com/store/app_themes/ppt/images/tech-specs/alpha-shift-adjust.pdf Might help.

 

[Darol Wester]

Re: Problem with reverse

I might be mistaken, but all I see is pages 1-15 there.

 

[Eric 3.7LX Alpha 1]

Re: Problem with reverse

deleted

 

[stonyloam]

Re: Problem with reverse

I might be mistaken, but all I see is pages 1-15 there.

Page 90 of the manual is on page 7 of the pdf.

 

[Darol Wester]

Re: Problem with reverse

Page 90 of the manual is on page 7 of the pdf.

OK. Sorry Stony. I was paying attention to the wrong numbers. And thanks to everyone for all the info. It's very much appreciated.

 

[Darol Wester]

Re: Problem with reverse

Well, just thought I'd report what fixed the problem. As mentioned in another thread, the shift arm on my upper shift shaft had a loose set screw, not allowing the full swing to reverse. I cleaned everything and use lock tight on the set screw threads when I put it back together. Once the outdrive was installed, I was able to get forward AND reverse. Sometimes these things can be so simple to fix, but a lot of time locating. I'm off to fish shortly. )

Thanks so much for all your help. As always, I've learned a lot.

Darol