Reverse wont work, just goes forward!

[Jhabuda88]

I took the boat out today, and put it in reverse to leave the dock, and it engaged into forward. So forward works and engages forward motion, and reverse engages into forward motion. Its a 1978 mercury 1150 outboard. Any ideas on how to fix it?

 

[Chris1956]

Sounds like the gearcase was removed recently, likely to change the waterpump. It was likely installed improperly. Is that it?

 

[Jhabuda88]

I took the lower unit off to clean it out and do general maintenance. Ever since o put it back reverse wont work

 

[Jhabuda88]

I may have moved the shifter, just wondering how to find neutral.

 

[Jhabuda88]

I may have moved the shifter, just wondering how to find neutral.

 

[Chinewalker]

Remove the gear case again. Neutral will be the middle on the detents you feel when you turn the shift shaft. Prop will spin freely. Put upper motor in neutral. You should now be aligned for reassembly.

 

[Jhabuda88]

So i have to take the lower unit off to get it back to neutral. Im not good with the technical terms. So idiot proof language would help a lot.

 

[Chinewalker]

Yes, you need to remove the unit again... Set the lower in neutral as described so that the prop spins freely. Then set the upper in neutral via the controls.

 

[Jhabuda88]

Thanks for the help got it fixed