88' Mercury classic 50 shifting issue

[lpzm08]

I am new to boating and my classic 50 45hp outboard is not shifting into any gear via the controller although when I take the cowl off I can put the motor in gear with my hand i verified it was in gear by trying to spin the prop when I do this and when it is in F and R it will only spin the direction in which it is supposed to. I am assuming this is a cable issue? Or something in the controller? Or possibly neither. Is this something I can fix? I am pretty mechanical and can figure things out most of the time or should i take it to a mechanic. Also, I done this without the motor actually running if that changes anything.

 

[carholme]

Re: 88' Mercury classic 50 shifting issue

With cables removed at the engine connection and shifting by hand, you should have:

Forward Prop should turn CW but not CCW
Neutral Prop should trun freely in either direction
Reverse Prop should not turn in either direction

If you have that, it ensures that the LU is OK and there is something wrong with the cables or control box.

Which control box do you have?

What is the engine s/n?

 

[lpzm08]

Re: 88' Mercury classic 50 shifting issue

Okay, thanks for the info so far unfortunately I am not home today but tomorrow I will check on both and update with a s/n and type of control box.