1987 Evinrude 150 won't shift into reverse

[jandd7]

I just bought a 1987 E150STLCU motor that will not shift into reverse. It would only grind. I disconnected shift cable at motor and can manually shift into forward with propeller spinning with ease. When shifting by hand into reverse I get a lot of clicking but will not pop into gear unless I shift it hard and then it goes into reverse. I made the necessary adjustment to the shift cable and it will shift into forward with the propeller spinning at the control box but it will not do anything but click when you shift into reverse at the control box. The control cable before my adjustment was set to where it appeared to me that it was trying to force the shift lever into reverse by making it push the shift lever further back than is normally necessary to get reverse.

The motor was supposedly rebuilt two years ago and reverse did not work consistently after rebuild. I am not sure if rebuild was done by certified mechanic but it does run like a scalded dog.

I ordered the OEM service manual online today to help me diagnose the problem but was hoping someone might be able to shed some light on what the problem might be. I am hoping something inexpensive like a new cable but fearing something major in the lower unit. Also thought maybe shift rod was not set to correct length at rebuild.

Any ideas or suggestions are greatly appreciated.

 

[emdsapmgr]

Re: 1987 Evinrude 150 won't shift into reverse

Proper shifting depends on the shift rod in the lower unit being set at exactly the correct height. If the water pump was replaced at some point during an overhaul, it is possible the mechanic moved the shift rod. If it is not set at the precise height, you can't adjust the shift handle in the cowling to compensate enough. Pull the lower unit to confirm the shift rod height.