125 merc 1970 gear problem

[wordmaster]

Hello,<br /><br />I am considering buying a boat that has a 1970 model 125 Mercury on it. The motor runs great and goes just fine in forward, but when in reverse, little or nothing happens. The owner says he jerked it quickly into reverse from forward and caused the problem.<br /><br />Any help or opinions would be greatly appreciated. How much would it cost to fix this problem, or would it be cheaper to find a used lower unit? Is it worth fooling with considering the motor age? Is it reasonably easy to find parts for this motor? Anybody got a lower unit for sale cheap?<br /><br />Thank you for any advice and help you can give. Any help on the relative cost of a used foot vs. fixing this one would be very welcome.

 

[Gold Bear]

Re: 125 merc 1970 gear problem

webwizard<br /><br />The first thing I would check is make sure the shift cable is working proberly, and adjusted correctly.<br /><br />The shift cable may have a set screw that secures the inner cable to the fitting at the engine. Make sure it hasn't slipped. It is possible something came loose when the previous owner "shifted quickly".<br /><br />You can disconnect the shift cable just inside the cowling and see if the gears will shift manually.<br /><br />Others may chime in with more advice.<br /><br />Good Luck,<br /><br />Gold Bear

 

[wordmaster]

Re: 125 merc 1970 gear problem

Thank you very much for that, but he took it to a shop and they told him it was broken in the foot. I believe he said they called it a "shift collar". However, I can, at this point only assume that the shop was correct and a piece is broken. This, of course means that if I buy it I will have to either have it fixed or buy another complete foot and replace the whole thing. <br /><br />Any ideas on cost for one or the other or if it is worth doing? Again thank you for your help.