'94 115 Merc, reverse issues

[djtrixx]

Hi all pros & bros:

I have a '94 Merc OB 115 that in forward has no issues, plenty strong. Shifting into reverse though, it pops itself back into neutral pretty much instantly. Even at idle speed. Just got the boat fully knowing this problem (at a heck of a deal I might add) and the previous owner claimed it was that way when he bought it 7 years ago and never fixed it because he didn't have a need. Not sure, but he must have been the only guy in history to never have to reverse a boat. Hmm.

Anyway! Any clues or insights? Where to start?

Thanks guys

 

[The_Kid]

Re: '94 115 Merc, reverse issues

It might be as simple as the shift linkage being out of adjustment at the motor. Take the nut and washer off then then lift the shift rod off of the linkage. Move the linkage and throttle to make sure they are in neutral. You should be able to spin the prop in both directions. The stud on the linkage should line up with the hole in the shift link rod. If they don't you will need to adjust the shift rod length by moving the barrel nut. The cable has a bit of play, so grab the cable and move it back and forth when centering it. Once they line up bolt thing back together shift to forward, then reverse and back to neutral. Check to make sure your prop still spins freely both directions.