'89 XR4 Jumps momentarily out of reverse

[Auminer]

In searching it seems I'm getting two different answers, one says when in reverse the prop will not turn in either direction, and another says the prop locks when turned clockwise.
Mine will turn counterclockwise only with finger pressure.
Does this indicate a major problem?

 

[Auminer]

Re: '89 XR4 Jumps momentarily out of reverse

Let me try to rephrase this.
I need help finding what is causing it to jump out of reverse, then in and out again. I have adjusted the linkage and idle speed is approx. 850 rpm's with muffs on. It will not jump out unless I have it in the water.
Thanks,

 

[Chris1956]

Re: '89 XR4 Jumps momentarily out of reverse

In reverse prop will turn a little bit in both directions(1/4 turn or so), before locking to the driveshaft. It sounds like you have linkage adjustment issues or a bad gearcase.

Remove the shift cable from it's barrell nut clamp. Set the throttle to neutral. Move the shift arm to neutral, and wiggle it to settle it into the detent. Now adjust barrell nut to fit clamp. If reverse still doesn't work, I will guess you have gearcase issues. What is condition of gear oil? Chunks of metal?

 

[Faztbullet]

Re: '89 XR4 Jumps momentarily out of reverse

If you still have the original small diameter gear case it is just like the Inline gear case. The clutch is spring loaded to forward and over time the shift cam and pin will wear and have less push towards reverse. Also if it has beeen run out of adjustment where it grinds going to reverse it will round off the edges of the clutch dog and gear ramps causing them to slip under a load. Next time you take it out remove cowling and adjust cable to a full reverse and the check your neutral, if to much out of range unit will need internal inspection.

 

[Auminer]

Re: '89 XR4 Jumps momentarily out of reverse

Thanks Faztbullet for taking the time to help with useful information, I'll try that next time.