Reverse problem

[joe belcastro]

New to outboard controls and I accidently put the shifter into reverse at high engine RPM's. The motor was not locked down so it jumped up a little. I didn't pay too much attention until I tried to go in reverse. The engine runs well and increases RPM's when increasing the throttle. With the engine shut down and the shift in reverse the prop spins freely both directions. Forward gear is OK, there is no grinding or other noises coming from the gear case in either reverse or forward. I have a layout (diagram) for the Mercury outboards 70HP 1972 to 1983. My motor is 1988 Mercury 70HP 3 Cyl. I don't know if there were any major changes to the motor from 1983 to 1988. In any event is there a shear, clevis or other type of pin that I may have snapped that could cause reverse not to engage. I did check the cable and it's OK moving the shift shaft in forward and reverse. Before I take it to a shop I would like to know what kind of job I'm looking at.<br /><br />Thanks<br />Joe B. [*]Need help no reverse