50 hp mercury will not lock down in reverse

[robertreed1973]

I have a 50hp mercurey 1987 model classic fifty. When i put the motor in reverse it raise out of the water. There is a latch on the motor, however i cannot find any type of lever to make it lock down, it stays in the open position. I was wondering if there might be some type of actuator that is supposed to engage when you put it in reverse. Maybe something inside the foot.

 

[jonah 65]

Re: 50 hp mercury will not lock down in reverse

theres a pushrod that comes up from the lower gear unit, it has an adjusting nut on it, try adjusting this up or down, its a bit hard to find, behind the engine brackets just in front of the boats transom {about a 6mm nut)-jonah.

 

[Motor Boater Bill]

Re: 50 hp mercury will not lock down in reverse

The one on my 1976 20hp needed a bunch of WD-40 to free it up, works OK now.

 

[robertreed1973]

Re: 50 hp mercury will not lock down in reverse

Originally posted by jonah 65:<br /> theres a pushrod that comes up from the lower gear unit, it has an adjusting nut on it, try adjusting this up or down, its a bit hard to find, behind the engine brackets just in front of the boats transom {about a 6mm nut)-jonah.

thanks for the help this is my first merc so i'm learning i'm used to johnsons and i'm amazed at the differences