No reverse gear on 1986 Classic 50, 45HP Mercury

[2aces63]

New to the forum, my buddy and I have a 1986 classic 50, 45hp mercury which runs good and goes forward with no problem. Reverse does not work at all. The cable from the control console move the shift levers on the engine ok. What is the next thing that we need to check? Any help would be appreciated Thank you. The fishing season for Coho salmon has already started here in Lake Superior and we need to get out on the water

 

[carholme]

Re: No reverse gear on 1986 Classic 50, 45HP Mercury

This is where the shift cable connects to the engine:

http://www.crowleymarine.com/mercury-outboard/parts/275_130.cfm

When someone is moving the shift lever into forward/neutral and reverse can you see item 9 rotating as the cable moves?

If it is moving, it is time to drop the LU and see if you can manually shift it.

Gerry

 

[2aces63]

Re: No reverse gear on 1986 Classic 50, 45HP Mercury

This is where the shift cable connects to the engine:

http://www.crowleymarine.com/mercury-outboard/parts/275_130.cfm

When someone is moving the shift lever into forward/neutral and reverse can you see item 9 rotating as the cable moves?

If it is moving, it is time to drop the LU and see if you can manually shift it.

Gerry

New info: when you pull the shift lever all the way back the prop almost locks up. You can still turn the prop. It almost seems that there should be a way to adjust the shift cable to make it go totally in reverse. Is this possibe and where would I find a procedure for this? Thank you for you reply

 

[carholme]

Re: No reverse gear on 1986 Classic 50, 45HP Mercury

If you are not going to answer the question, I'm sorry but I can't do anything for you. I am sure someone will be along to help you.

Gerry

 

[2aces63]

Re: No reverse gear on 1986 Classic 50, 45HP Mercury

If you are not going to answer the question, I'm sorry but I can't do anything for you. I am sure someone will be along to help you.

Gerry

Sorry I didn't answer the question. The shaft does rotate and tries to lock the prop in reverse. It does not lock it firmly enough to make it stay locked up. Looking for a procedure that adjusts the shift cable for the reverse mode. Thank you