1975 50 HP won't go into reverse

[George.714]

I just replaced the water pump on my 1975 50 HP (50ESL75B - mechanical shift). Many of the posts here were instrumental in my success. Thank you all. When I reinstalled the lower unit and reattached everything, the motor ran great. Water flow from the pee hole was strong and everything looked good. Pat myself on the back for a job well done.

Uh oh. Tried to shift into forward and reverse. Shifted into forward with no problem. Can't shift into reverse at all. Shifted from forward to neutral, but when trying to shift into reverse, wouldn't budge. I didn't want to force the shift lever down and break something.

I'm figuring I didn't connect something right but can't figure out what it is. I've read and researched possibilities and now I'm thoroughly confused.

Was I supposed to put the shift rod into a gear by turning the prop and pulling / pushing up and down on the shift rod? Was the shift lever at the boats helm supposed to be in reverse or forward position? I was very careful not to turn the shift rod when removing or reinstalling. It may have turned 1/2 turn, but I thought I turned it back to it's original position when I removed the lower unit.

Any help is appreciated. Thank you.

 

[eavega]

Re: 1975 50 HP won't go into reverse

Can you shift at the motor? disconnect the shift cable coming from the control, and try moving the shift lever at the motor. If its not working right from there, you may have set your shift rod at the wrong height? I don't think the shift rod turning one way or the other makes any difference as long as it ends up in the right position when you re-install the pivot pin.

Rgds

 

[George.714]

Re: 1975 50 HP won't go into reverse

eavega, thank you for the suggestion. I checked the shift rod and upon closer inspection, noticed that it wasn't in the slot at all. The bolt was just through the hole, but not connected to the shifter rod. After some playing around, got it.

I tested the shift lever and watched the shift mechanism and shifter rod. Everything is working the way I believe it is supposed to. I'll load up the lower unit with oil and run it to make sure we're good to go.

Thanks again for the quick assistance.