'77 Evinrude 55HP no reverse

[steve62]

When I place the boat in reverse it just clicks, the prop will turn but not enough to move the boat.

When out of the water I can sometimes get it to go into reverse (engine not running) and turn the engine over by hand by turning the prop. Maybe one out of ten tries. The cable appears to be adjusted ok. The lever is as far back as it'll go..... It should be in reverse.

Is there another adjustment inside the leg or is the bottom pooched?

 

[Joe Reeves]

Re: '77 Evinrude 55HP no reverse

Did you or anyone else have the lower unit off and turn the shift rod out of adjustment? That measurement from the top surface of the lower unit to the center of the shift rod hole IN NEUTRAL is critical. See the following if this has taken place.

1977 - 1981 - 50, 55hp Manual Start = (S) 16-23/32 - - (L) 21-23/32" plus/minus 1/32" Have the shift rod in neutral and the offset to the rear

 

[steve62]

Re: '77 Evinrude 55HP no reverse

Hmmm, I know I haven't had the lower unit off. Is there something else that could be causing this? I'm unsure what your (s) and (L) mean...

It does seem like it's just not getting all the way into reverse... What's involved with adjusting this shift rod? Besides I assume removing the lower unit