Mercury 40 hp - no reverse

[swaghole]

I have 1994 Mercury outboard that won't go in reverse. The problem started when I shifted in reverse when slowly moving forward (trying to stop to avoid a rock). I think I revved the motor a little before it fully engaged in reverse. The outboard did a little bit of grinding and some clicking noises and never went into reverse (I did hit the rock - only the hull, not the motor).

So, after, I could not put the outboard in forward of reverse. I shut down the motor and trimmed it out of the water to have a look. Nothing to see, so I tried again. This time, the outboard went in forward gear ok, but I completly lost reverse. When I try to put it in reverse, it does a clicking/grinding noise that increases in frequency as the motor revs faster.

So, any idea on what broke?

Thanks.

 

[kingfish62]

Re: Mercury 40 hp - no reverse

Have you checked the linkage? I had a siimilar problem and found that I broke a piece in the linkage that serves as a push pull mechanism. I ordered a new part from the dealer but used a hose clamp until it arrived..

 

[swaghole]

Re: Mercury 40 hp - no reverse

Where do I start looking for the linkage? Will I see something if I pull the cover off the motor? Is it possilble it's something in the prop that broke?

 

[kingfish62]

Re: Mercury 40 hp - no reverse

Swag, I'm no expert and I suppose that yes it could be somthing in the lower unit however, the first place I would look is under the cowl. The linkage should be located on the right side of the engine looking from inside the boat or left from outside. If you can get someone to help you shift it in and out of forward and reverse while you look at it you should be able to tell if everything is connected properly. As I said the only time I ever lost a reverse gear it was a broken connecter in the linkage. Real simple fix.. Good Luck

 

[leedsboy]

Re: Mercury 40 hp - no reverse

just wondered if anybody could help!! my engine is a mercury 9.9 hp 1987 model. it works fine going forward and in neutral, but when i put it in reverse it makes the right sound and everything but its not making the prop spin fast enough!!!

please please please can anybody help!!!!

 

[Ruggybuggy]

Re: Mercury 40 hp - no reverse

just wondered if anybody could help!! my engine is a mercury 9.9 hp 1987 model. it works fine going forward and in neutral, but when i put it in reverse it makes the right sound and everything but its not making the prop spin fast enough!!!

please please please can anybody help!!!!

You already posted this and now hijacking a thread. Post more info in the previous thread as suggested.