Re: Reverse not working on a 1963 10HP Evinrude!
It's a long shaft motor - you have to remove the lower unit bolts and the L/U will drop about an inch - then you can access the lower end of the coupler through the gap. Once you take the coupler bolt out be aware that the lower unit will be free and will come off. Have someone hold the L/U while you remove the coupler bolt. Once the L/U is off, you can check the shifting action. Pull the shift rod up, then turn the driveshaft clockwise and the prop will rotate in one direction. Push the shift rod down and prop should rotate in the other direction. Halfway in between should be neutral. To put it back on, it's easier disconnect the upper shift rod from the coupler, properly connect the lower shift rod to the coupler, push the lower shift rod down (reverse), shift the motor into forward with the gear shift, and re-attach the lower unit. Make sure the copper water tubes go back in the grommets on water pump housing. Then look through the access hole, and while shifting into reverse, guide the upper shift rod into the coupler. Then make sure to line up the indent and re-install the upper coupler bolt. Oh, while you're in there, replace the impeller!