1980 Mercury 20HP Problems

[bobeeker]

I have a 1980 Mercury 20HP outboard engine that has to be put into reverse gear to go forward and forward gear to go backward. What in the heck is the problem????

 

[7920hpMercury]

Re: 1980 Mercury 20HP Problems

I'll guess that you do not have the original lower unit. 68 (and maybe before??) thru 70 have a lower unit with shifting action opposite of 71 and up through 80. I assume your 1980 20hp is the last of that 20hp generation with a hard aluminum top and removable band. Take the lower unit off and see what part number is on it (in the back, top side, inside). Should be 1627 6006. A reverse action might be 1627 3482, 2964, or earlier. Good luck.

 

[bobeeker]

Re: 1980 Mercury 20HP Problems

If it is that is there anything that I can do to fix it. Also when going down the river the prop seems to loose traction continuously and I have to lower the rpm's and let it catch back up then go again. What causes this problem???

 

[7920hpMercury]

Re: 1980 Mercury 20HP Problems

If in fact, you do have an older lower unit with the reverse action, then the easier thing is to get the correct lower unit. Check ebay. I have heard of ways to modify the older lower units to get the correct action, but not easy.
On the prop issue, I would check first to see if your rubber bushing in the prop hub is deteriorated and allowing the slip you describe. Good luck.