We've lost reverse.

[JustFloatin']

We have an ?87 Galaxie Cuddy w/ a 4.3 OMC. Last weekend we took it to T. Roosevelt Lake in AZ and after running it a short time had to bring it in for an exhaust heating problem. Well in process between Fri night manic lakeside mechanic & Sat morning we lost reverse. Any places to start would be appreciated.

 

[havasuboatman]

Re: We've lost reverse.

Start by checking your shift cable adjustment. Look at the remote shift cable attached to the top of the engine. It will have two cables hooked to it. Verify the drive engages by disconnecting the lower shift cable at the remote and shift it by hand by either pushing or pulling on the cable end(I forget which direction engages reverse). Then get out and see if you can rotate the prop

 

[JustFloatin']

Re: We've lost reverse.

We tried that, and we got forward but we get nothing but a noise in reverse.

 

[havasuboatman]

Re: We've lost reverse.

Bad news then. It'd be my guess (not being able to inspect the drive) that you have a broken shift pin inside the lower gear case. You will have to pull the drive, check the shift rod linkage and bellcrank, and then, dig into the lower unit.

 

[Bondo]

Re: We've lost reverse.

had to bring it in for an exhaust heating problem.

Ayuh,... Just a WAGuess,....
Was the lower shift cable touching the Overheated exhaust,..??
If so,...
You probably Melted the cable,+ need to Replace it....

 

[havasuboatman]

Re: We've lost reverse.

Ayuh,... Just a WAGuess,....
Was the lower shift cable touching the Overheated exhaust,..??
If so,...
You probably Melted the cable,+ need to Replace it....

Not if it shifts from forward to neutral and back. Melted cables don't shift at all.