1986 Yamaha 70 - no reverse

[ohmerfam]

Had the boat out yesterday, and suddenly i couldn't shift into reverse. When attempting to shift into reverse, the engine only revs up.

i took off the cover, and put the engine as far into reverse as i could and took the following photo



the linkage looks, to me, as if it's not fully engaging. Should the linkage be all the way to the right or should that gap be ok, or am i looking at the wrong thing?

 

[99yam40]

Re: 1986 Yamaha 70 - no reverse

You need to drop the lower unit and check to see what condition the shift shaft is in going down the leg

 

[ohmerfam]

Re: 1986 Yamaha 70 - no reverse

ok, i've dropped the lower unit ... what am i looking for?

 

[99yam40]

Re: 1986 Yamaha 70 - no reverse

Something that would keep it from moving the shifter all of the way into reverse.
rusted shaft that is twisting and not giving full travel at the bottom maybe