Reverse lock on 1981 Mariner not interlocked

gavin dunne · #1 May 31st, 2006, 07:58 AM

Hi. I have a 1981 Mariner 30E #689L 405415. The problem is that the automatic reverse lock doesn't operate on engaging reverse or neutral. There is a lever on the transom bracket which can be flipped to engage/disengage reverse lock but this isn't interlocked with the actual shift mechanism. Should the two be interlocked or is the reverse lock purely manual on this model. As I have remote control I don't want to have to keep going back to the stern when ever I change gear. I had the lower unit off earlier this year and now am worried that I didn't assembe the shift linkage correctly. However there wasn't any cam evident on the shift rod when I dropped the LU. Schematics at dougrussel.com don't show cam either, as far as I can see. The seloc manual I have doesn't mention a cam or the reverse lock anywhere.

gavin dunne · #2 June 1st, 2006, 07:33 PM

gavin dunne · #3 June 7th, 2006, 06:37 AM

any takers?

rickdb1boat · #4 June 7th, 2006, 07:29 AM

It is a manual lock using the lever. There would be no reason to keep going back to lock and unlock it. With the lever in the down position (Locked), you would run the boat normally and if you hit something with the lower unit, it is designed to break free of the locking mechanism. The only time you would need to use the lever, is when you are tilting the motor up for shallow water operation or trailering. Hope this covers it.....