Shifter stiff Going into Reverse

[cattmann]

Can anyone tell me if shifting into reverse on my Legend boat with a 60 hp merc should be any stiffer than shifting into forward? I removed the cable from the engine and the shifting lever moves easily compared to having the cable attached.I just finished installing a water pump kit and wonder if I created this issue.I had the boat running since installing the pump kit and it is stiff going into reverse running also.Any input will be greatly appreciated.

 

[redneck joe]

I'm not an expert, so dont pay much attention to me.

If it shifts fine when disconnected its not the cable. Can you shift manually at the motor and is it stiff there?

If it was good before but not now yeah you prob did something. A smarter person will come by and tell you how

 

[cattmann]

not sure how it shifted before taking it apart as I haven't had it in the water yet since purchasing last Nov.It will go into reverse while its running no problem, its just that the shifter is hard to push towards reverse compared to forward.Before installing the foot ,I made sure the shifter and the foot were in forward position.

 

[cattmann]

Just finished removing and reinstalling the foot.All cables work freely.I put the foot in neutral and the shifter in neutral before reinstalling .Definitely shifts into proper gears fully.Still have to apply more energy to go into reverse but I will try it that way in a month when the river clears of ice.

 

[merc850]

Any Mercury should not be shifted into reverse without the motor running or by turning the prop while shifting when not running!