55 horse 1979 evinrude won't go into reverse

[asthedeer]

Hello everbody
My 55 horse 1979 evinrude won't go into reverse. When shifted into reverse the gears grind badly and it won't engage the prop into reverse.

Please let me know what you think

Thank you kindly

Colin

[tx1961whaler]

If it shifts OK manually with the shift cable disconnected, then the cable needs adjusting.
If shifting manually doesn't work, then it may be that the shift rod height is not correct

[boobie]

Either your shift linkage adjustment is not adjusted correctly or the shift dog and reverse gear are worn badly.

[boobie]

tx1961, how could the shift rod height change??

[Daviet]

Have you checked the lower unit oil, any metal particles?

[tx1961whaler]

It's threaded into the gearcase. It sometimes gets messed up after changing the water pump impeller.