Reverse won't engage

[Sum4Me]

I have a 1974 85 HP O/B Mercury Motor and when I lock the motor down reverse won't engage. Forward is fine. Any thing I can check besides the linkage. Any info will help. Thanks.

 

[sirlespat]

Re: Reverse won't engage

Have this problem myself. With engine off and down? put it in reverse. pull the spark plug leads, it wont make much of a spark because we will turn the prop by hand. turn the prop by hand. Do you feel any connection to the motor. on mine i feel resistance but the connection is not strong. The check the gear linkage is fully operated. If not you may adjust it but wat you give to reverse you may take from forward. If the linkage is correct the it looks like the gearbox may need attention.I.e opening it up (a fairly major job)

 

[Sum4Me]

Re: Reverse won't engage

Thanks for the help. you were right on the linkage. I've had to adjust it just enough to engage reverse and still keep forward. I notice that it makes a clicking sound almost like grinding before it engages. I think the bottom end needs servicing. Thanks at least for now it works. Also I've noticed that the motor lock now engages in neutral instead of reverse but at least it disengages on forward. Patience is what she needs.