Outboard will only go into "Reverse" gear if propeller is in a certain position

[o0ltank0o]

So I've encountered an odd issue with my newly acquired 9.8 HP 4-Stroke Nissan (NSF9.8A3). I've noticed that the gear shift will sometimes refuse to go into "reverse" if the propeller is in a certain position. It feels like it get stuck and won't budge with even a solid push.

But what I've found is that if I manually rotate the propeller a 1/4 turn, it can go into "reverse" again smoothly! I tried this multiple times and if the propeller is in the perfect position, the reverse works beautiful and shifts smoothly. If the propeller is not in the prime position, the gear shift will again get stuck until I move it a 1/4 turn. Anyone have any idea why this is happening? I guess if it happens on the lake, I can always slam it back in forward and hope it lands at the ideal position for me to get the reverse to engage.

 

[racerone]

There is nothing wrong at all.------Motor must be running when shifting.----Or on a stand the propshaft must be turned.

 

[Scott Danforth]

first, welcome aboard.

second, nothing wrong. as racerone explains, the motor must be running to shift, or if not running, you must be turning the prop.

 

[o0ltank0o]

Hey y'all! Thank you so much! She's my very first fishing boat after I got the thumbs up from the wifey. I'm learning as a go but it's been a fun and simultaneously frustrating experience haha. I've already manually taken apart and cleaned the carb and just doing some good old TLC on it. Thanks for the help!

 

[km1125]

Do yourself a favor. Go buy an impeller and put it in. That way, you'll know FOR CERTAIN when it was really changed and you'll avoid ruining a weekend because the engine started overheating and you can't find an impeller in stock locally.

 

[Sea Rider]

You should never ever try to engage any gear in forward or reverse, could end breaking the shifter lever stupidly if too much presure is applied, motor must be running. If wanting to test the motor out of water test it on a transom or motor stand, remove the cowl and turn manually the flywheel CW while shifting gently the lever...

Happy Boating​

 

[pvanv]

Also, never replace just the impeller; always do a complete wp kit. Same labor but pumps better and lasts longer.