Can't solve Reverse Lock Issue - at wits end

[bermuda8]

Had new impeller put on by merc mechanic - took the boat out reverse worked fine then later on the same trip the socket broke on the end of the linkage and I had no reverse or neutral. I took it back to the same mechanic and he removed the lower unit and starter and fixed it (or so I thought). Took it out again - reverse worked at first but later in the day the same thing happened, the same socket broke again and no forward or reverse. This happened 2 more times. Any ideas why this is happening? All the posts I read on here with similar issues don't have the reverse and neutral work at all until everything is hooked up correctly. I know this has something to do with the reverse lock hook, its like its getting stuck. This is driving me crazy because i've taken it to the same guy 4 times and its not fixed. I'm afraid to take it somewhere else as they will charge me more and still not have it fixed.

2005 25hp 2 stroke merc

Any ideas? This never happened until I had the water pump replaced.

Thanks

 

[CharlieB]

Re: Can't solve Reverse Lock Issue - at wits end

Drop the LU again

Check/replace the reverse lock cam/ramp located on the shifter shaft on top of the LU, it is either worn a 'step' into the ramp and/or is index'd incorrectly

 

[bermuda8]

Re: Can't solve Reverse Lock Issue - at wits end

Thanks for the reply Charlie - I had a mechanic drop it over the weekend and he also adjusted the shift linkage. He believes the shift linkage was the issue. I have a new question though - in neutral or forward should I be able to lift the motor up at all?

Thanks again.

 

[etbill52]

Re: Can't solve Reverse Lock Issue - at wits end

Thanks for the reply Charlie - I had a mechanic drop it over the weekend and he also adjusted the shift linkage. He believes the shift linkage was the issue. I have a new question though - in neutral or forward should I be able to lift the motor up at all?

Thanks again.

Should be able to lift motor up in Forward, Locks down in neutral, and reverse.

 

[bermuda8]

Re: Can't solve Reverse Lock Issue - at wits end

Does motor have to be running to check this or can I check it when motor is off?

Thanks

 

[ricksrster]

Re: Can't solve Reverse Lock Issue - at wits end

The motor can be off for the lock to work. Turn prop (disconnect spark plugs first) when you shift gears so you don't bugger up the shift cable.