1968 Merc 200 20hp will only tilt when in reverse???

[Kjpeter]

I have been working on this outboard for some time now fixing odds and ends. When I bought it I was given the good ole "Runs Perfect!" saying but never tested it myself before handing over the cash. Well long story short this outboard has been a headache from day one but I am persistent and will not let it beat me.

​One thing that I have not been able to figure out is that I have to put the motor in reverse to unlock the tilt. When in neutral or forward the lock is engaged and cannot pull up on it.

Before I tear into this motor anymore, I am wondering if any one else has come across this? To me the motor should be locked in while in reverse and neutral and unlocked in forward. Did someone before me have it apart and could it have been put back together incorrectly or is it even possible for this to happen? or is this normal?

 

[flyingscott]

That lower unit shifts backward i believe same as my 1971 model. On mine since the lever is pointing at me not straight up and down. Up is forward and down is reverse. Just Backwards

 

[Kjpeter]

The lever for mine is pointing up in nuetral. When it runs and the lever is pulled forward towards me sitting in the boat, the propeller spins in the forward direction.

 

[flyingscott]

Put it in the water and what is the serial #. Also when the motor is in forward the prop will click one way. In reverse it locks both ways. The other possibility is somebody replaced the lower unit with a newer style.

 

[Kjpeter]

I have it LU off it for a water pump problem right now. The serial number on it is 2438294. Is it possible the wrong propeller is installed on it? When looking at the propeller spinning from the back, what direction should it be going in when forward?

 

[flyingscott]

No propeller is right get it in the water and see what it does I have never seen the lock work backwards.