shifting into reverse

[Phil S]

I have to rev the engine to 2000 or 3000 to get it to shift into reverse, no problem going into forward, what is going on? 1997 75hp Mercury Force.

 

[TwoFish]

Re: shifting into reverse

May just need adjusting.

My guess is the problem is in your forward control box or in the cables running back to the motor. When you move the control lever it moves two cables. One for the motor & one for the gearbox. There are a set of gears in the control box conecting the two cables. They may be worn or slipping.

Could also be the adjusting nuts in the linkage from the top of the motor to the lower unit have come loose & have gone out of adjustment.

Whatever the problem don't try to put it into gear at such high revs as it will damage the cluch dogs in your gearbox.

 

[Gone4two]

Re: shifting into reverse

When it goes into reverse, what does it sound like (i.e. clunk, or scraping)? It may be that your cable is stretched, binding. or kinked. It does not matter how far you pull your shifter back, because the shift cable only travels a set distance regardless. What I mean is that as soon as you move you shifter into reverse (or forward) the cable has traveled its maximum set distance, so moving the shifter/throttle further forward or back does not increase the shifter cable length. I would disconnect the cable at the motor, and try to shift it by hand. if it shifts fine, then the problem is in your cable or helm shifter/unit. If it does not, the problem is in the lower unit. Also, you may need to clarify what you mean by "going into reverse". do you mean that the boat will not move backwards intil 2-5k, or it won't go into gear until 2-3K? If it is the 1st one, you may have spun a prop. If it is the 2nd, then i would not shift it into reverse at this high RPM, or you may cause some serious problems in the gear case (i.e. clutch. shifter paw, or gerars breaking).

Gone 4two