1977 Glastron wont shift into reverse

shipsta

Cadet
Joined
Jul 21, 2009
Messages
9
I bought the boat about 2 weeks ago, its a 1977 Glastron Bowrider 140 hp I/O Mercruiser Alpha I. It wouldn't shift into reverse when I tested it at home. I pulled the outdrive and noticed a little debree at the end of the shift cable where it connects to a long rectangular piece inside the bell housing. I cleaned that out. I put everything back together with a gasket&bellows kit. I haven't started it up, but I have adjusted the cables up by the engine. I also checked the outdrive to make sure it would go into reverse while it was off the boat. I have not started the engine yet, I put it into drive and was unable to turn the propeller by hand. I put it into neutral and and the propeller spun freely both ways. I put into reverse and the propeller spun freely both ways.... Is the upper shift shaft adjustable? Is that my problem? Or is reverse supposed to spin freely anyway? Im lost.
 

Haut Medoc

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Jun 29, 2004
Messages
10,645
Re: 1977 Glastron wont shift into reverse

Were you able to get it to lock in reverse when the drive was off the boat?.....:confused:
Disconnect the cable inside the boat & pull on it while you or an assistant turs the prop clockwise.....
Put the shift in reverse, thge barrel nut should fit where it belongs....
If you cannot get reverse while pulling on the cable as described above, I would suspect shift spool/shift crank wear or clutch dog wear...
What happens in this case is that the shift arm bottoms out before the clutch gears can index the reverse gears...
There is a test in section 1 of manual #6 on ecessive play in the shift shaft.....;)
If you find that to be the case a new or rebuilt lower is the remedy.....:(
 

shipsta

Cadet
Joined
Jul 21, 2009
Messages
9
Re: 1977 Glastron wont shift into reverse

When the drive was off, it locked in reverse. I tried pulling on the cable a day or so ago, but no luck. So where would I be now? I don't have a manual.
 

shipsta

Cadet
Joined
Jul 21, 2009
Messages
9
Re: 1977 Glastron wont shift into reverse

Ok so here is what I did....:confused:
I took the outdrive off again.:(
Checked and made sure that the prop would not turn in fwd & rev. All good;)
Next really started looking @ the shift cable..... (it had a tear in it... which means it probably got rusted and is sticking!):rolleyes:
Time to get a new shift cable kit:D
MORE MONEY:eek:
 

Haut Medoc

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Jun 29, 2004
Messages
10,645
Re: 1977 Glastron wont shift into reverse

Check your u joint bellows at this time....
If you even suspect they are on their way out replace them, or you will be taking apart what you just did when they need replacing....
If you do them now, you will be good to go for another 5+ years....;)
 

shipsta

Cadet
Joined
Jul 21, 2009
Messages
9
Re: 1977 Glastron wont shift into reverse

lol, When I pulled it off the first time I replaced them. So I'm all good there;)
I appreciate your help!
I will let you know how it goes!
 
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