reverse went out

[mattdd]

i have a '86 90hp yamaha. i had the fast idle up when i first started it before getting it off the trailer. i guess the engine hadnt wound down to normal idle before i put it in reverse, and when i did it made a loud clicking sound. now it makes the same sound whenever its in reverse. it still spins and can be used for turning, but as soon as i give it too much gas it slips and starts clicking. i guess some of the gears behind the prop got stripped? this sound right?

 

[Ray Neudecker]

Re: reverse went out

Or you bent the shifter pin itself. It is also in the gearcase.

 

[Capt Ken]

Re: reverse went out

The shift rod going from the engine down to the lower unit has probably twisted. To find out, disconnect the shift cable and drop the shift arm down out of the slide. Move it forward and backward and see if it locks in gear then. Pre 1993 engines had steel shift rods and they usually rust away at the bottom connection. After 93 they used stainless steel.