no reverse evinrude 140 hp 1980

hi guys <br />im having trouble with my 1980 140hp evinrude,<br />it goes forward very well but when i select reverse it doesnt want to engauge until about half throttle then it justs jumps in and out of gear. i have tried adjusting my selector cable and when i do i can get reverse but no forward.<br />i have gone to see many mechanics and one told ne my bushes on my selector shaft have worn out and one other are telling me my dog clutch is gone but why can i get reverse when i adjust my cable. please help thanks heaps

Re: no reverse evinrude 140 hp 1980

Welcome Chris! You'll find many other Aussies on the site.....please feel at home.<br /><br />First thing to do....disconnect the shift cable from the engine and shift manually at the engine.<br /><br />If it goes into forward and reverse OK, problem is in either the cables or the control. <br /><br />Is the shift cable the right length? After disconnecting the cable, move the control handle from forwards to reverse and watch the casing guide at the end of the cable. It should move back and forth freely. If it doesn't, cable may need replaced.<br /><br />If the engine will not shift into reverse, the shift rod may be out of adjustment. The shift lever at the engine, should be near verticle when the engine is in neutral. If it's way forward or to the rear, the shift rod is most likely out of adjustment.<br /><br />Has there been any work done on the lower unit which would require that it be dropped from the engine?<br /><br />Now, if it the porblem points to the control box, get a service manual before you dig in.

Re: no reverse evinrude 140 hp 1980

thanks heaps OBJ i will try what you say and get back to you!!!!<br />a big thank you from down under!!!!!(aus)

Re: no reverse evinrude 140 hp 1980

hi OBJ i checked the service history of my motor from the previous owner and he had the water pump replaced and impeller before he sold me the boat and my work shop manual from evinrude doesnt explain the gearbox in great detail,<br /><br />thanks again<br /><br />

Re: no reverse evinrude 140 hp 1980

Hi chris<br />had the same thing with one of my merc motors.<br />ended up being when reassamble after water pump change. it was not lined up right. when lower unit is removed control should be selected to foward and make sure when you reassamble gear box is in forward. This may be your promblem also if you have had motor for awhile it is good insurance to change impeller cost is cheap and dropping lower unit is very easy.<br />cheer Brett

Re: no reverse evinrude 140 hp 1980

Merc are a little different than John/Rudes and indeed you should have the gear box in forward when putting the lower units together.<br /><br />With the John/Rudes, It actually helps to have the gear box in reverse. This lowers the shift rod and helps aline it with the shift lever up in the lower pan.<br /><br />Chris, I would get a service manual. OEM is preferred if this is your first engine. Your operators manual will not go into detail about the maint of the engine.<br /><br />Try the suggestions I listed above and see what you can find out. Post here what you see and we'll go from there.