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No reverse on 1996 90hp Mercury

H

hogsters

New member
"I got a new boat(for me.

"I got a new boat(for me. I have had it out 3 times the first two with no problems. The third time half way through the day Reverse went out. It goes forward in reverse and Forward. Forward works normally. I have checked shift cables, they are intact. I pulled the cowl cover off and the shifter moves the linkage when shifted to forward or reverse. I am new to boat motors. Any ideas on what to look for???"
 
"Hi there!

Seems you have a

"Hi there!

Seems you have a sticky drive shaft there.

The shift spring is known to stick if motor is stored in neutral or reverse. Always a good idea to store with forward selected, this pertains to most Merc Mariner motors. Takes the strain off the spring. Spring could also be worn or broken. Avoid running the motor with this problem, could be costly...

Firstly, check lower case lube, might be all gungy, hence no shift. If the oil is good, stripping lower assembly is needed. I'd not advise to use a flushing liquid, unless there is something made specifically for this cause.

For this, I'd advise to ask the senior guys in the forum. I know how to do it, just difficult to explain. Also, there might be a quick fix that I'm not aware of...

While you're there, replace the lube, propshaft seals and impeller. Grease all bolt threads to aide later maintanance. Seems you'll be pulling it all apart anyway, hope not tho!

Regards from a wintery Johannesburg in South Africa!

Benjamin."
 
Thanks Benjamin ! Is there any

Thanks Benjamin ! Is there any kind of easy test to confirm before I tear into the lower unit besides checking the oil?
 
"Hi there!

Sorry, I meant t

"Hi there!

Sorry, I meant that the crown gear that slides on the propellor's drive shaft might not be shifting. Also occurred to me that you might have lost the shift action at control box, under the hood or even the linkage that runs down the leg of the motor. Once you've seen how the gear selector in lower case works, it'll make sense.

Not sure if there is a quick fix regarding the check. If the oil seems clear and water-free, it's likely to be a mechanical issue. Might be a broken spring in lower unit that keeps tension on the selector gear. Sounds complicated, but not really.

If you remove the hood and select forward or reverse, can you see the cable ends moving? Have you removed the cable end and tried to select the gears manually? If all these acions are followed and can select manually, yet no change at prop, your problem lies within the lower case.

Browse the other posts here, there are some pictures on how to remove lower unit and also gives good pointers as to the re-assembly of it. It's crucial to get all the shafts and goodies aligned right, otherwise you'll do it all over again.

Hope this clears things up?

Regards from a cold Jozi!

Benjamin."
 
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