1984 35hp Mercury, won't go in reverse

[HTG]

This engine will go in reverse on land with the hose and works fine. For some reason, I can't get it to go in reverse when its in the water. And I'm having some difficulty getting the throttle to go in reverse when its in water. When it does it just revs up but won't engage. Anyone know how to fix this? Is this a major overhaul like having to replace the gears or is there another part that can fix it?

 

[racerone]

How did it shift for you last season ?----Was lower unit off for service ?----It really is only ---" just " ---Going into reverse on land but kicks out when there is a load on the water.-----Some will argue.-----My approach would be to remove lower unit.-----Put control in neutral with shifter on the motor itself at about mid travel.-----Put lower unit in neutral.----Assemble and test.-----Or find the tutorial on this site for your situation.

 

[HTG]

I haven't been able to use reverse for the past three seasons. I took it out today for the first time in eight months. Not sure what happened however the reverse now works fine. I'm kind of worried that it will happen again. Anyone know what part could be causing this? I've heard that it could be the spring. Thanks

 

[flyingscott]

was the waterpump changed recently? Or lower unit serviced?

 

[racerone]

There is a spring inside the propshaft , in oil.-----Never heard of it causing a reverse problem.-----It might just be a cable adjustment.-----So hurry to your local boat shop as they can check adjustment in minutes.

 

[HTG]

Lower unit and water pump haven't been changed recently. Someone else told me that it might need a cable adjustment. When I looked at it I couldn't figure out if they needed to be adjusted one way or another. Even when I did try to move them I really couldn't do much. Unless I was looking at the wrong cables. They are the two cable that run from the engine to the shift box correct? Are there any videos about it? Or is there something else to look for? My local boat shop doesn't even look at engines that old. Thanks for the help.

 

[racerone]

Remove motor cowling.-----Have assistant move control box to forward while you turn the prop.------Shift cable is the one that moves first.---Put control box in neutral.-----Now disconnect that cable at the motor.-----Mover lever on the motor to find neutral.-------Adjust barrel on the cable to suit.-----Hook up the cable and test.

 

[HTG]

I may have to give that a try. The biggest challenge without reverse is docking.

 

[racerone]

If you put your mind to it and understand how the shift works it should be an easy fix !

 

[HTG]

I will have a better understanding after I take it out next time. I just caught the flu so I've been under the weather for a few days. I'm hoping it won't happen again.