290 drive lock issues?

[rscottdds]

New boat to me. Never owned a VP outdrive) I know the drive is supposed to lock when in reverse and release when in forward (to prevent damage from hitting something). Is there supposed to be any play in the drive when locked in reverse? It pops up a bit when I put it in reverse. I noticed it because the trim indicator would change value when shifting into reverse. Went back and watched as my son put it into reverse and it does pop up a bit.

 

[Scott Danforth]

check the reverse pawl catches. sometimes due to improper adjustment, they get worn

 

[rscottdds]

Thanks, How much play should there be? In other words if I grab the drive and move it up and down should it move at all when in reverse? It does a bit and also side to side (without the wheel moving)

 

[Scott Danforth]

up/down, maybe about 1/2' or so at the prop. side to side you will get a bit more and depending on the angle the amount of side to side play changes. the geometry of the steering helmet and yoke change a bit as the drive is tilted up.

you can replace the bushings in the tilt frame as well as the steering yoke if its too much