Mercruiser goes forward when in reverse

Menu1

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Joined
Jul 9, 2017
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2
I've got an 89 mercruiser 5.0, the boat is going forward when shifting to reverse, it's also going in reverse when shifting into forward, sometimes it goes into forward when shifted into forward, sometimes it won't shift in foreard at all and sometimes it starts right up with control in neutral and is already in forward and takes off, and it has also not engaged until the engine got to 2,000 rpm and jumped In gear and took off. I tool the gear cable off at the bracket on manifold and that forward cable is nice and tight and pulls/pushes as it should, I also checked to trottle cable which seems fine, I took the lower shifter cable off at the manifold and I can freely move it with 2 fingers with no resistance and don't feel it changing any gears, while having someone changing gears I listened at the lower unit and it sounds like something (possibly the slide) is moving when going from foreard to reverse. Any help would be appreciated!
 

alldodge

Moderator
Staff member
Joined
Mar 8, 2009
Messages
43,849
Howdy

I would pull the drive and check the shift foot and linkage. Make sure cable is securely attached. There is a screw that goes thru the upper linkage to hold the shift foot on. If that is missing or broke can cause some issues. Next check the drive shifts in gears as the foot on the drive is moved. Foot should be straight forward and the prop will lock CCW
 

stonyloam

Vice Admiral
Joined
Mar 13, 2009
Messages
5,830
Yeah I am with AllDodge, betting something is going on with the upper shift shaft lever or shift slide. Check to make sure the lever is firmly attached to the shaft and that the roller is captured by the shift slide.
 

Bt Doctur

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Aug 29, 2004
Messages
19,488
Somebody didnt put the drive on correctly and missed the shift fork
 
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