Engine dies when reverse

[neuro242]

Had my '90 Mercruiser 305 out 3x so far. First two no problems, but 3rd time when i went to reverse off trailer while putting in the water it would die everytime i hit reverse. I can go forward no problems. It will engage reverse gears no problem. But when I give it throttle in reverse, it just dies. Reverse throttle while in neutral works fine so my cables are good. It worked fine eventually, almost like it was just cold. Any ideas? Any linkage that needs adjusting?

 

[Bt Doctur]

Re: Engine dies when reverse

http://www.boatfix.com/merc/Techbk/94/94hsa2.pdf
Sounds lik an adjustment, check in this link

 

[cr2k]

Re: Engine dies when reverse

Either an adjustment or your short shift cable is getting stiff. Since it worked fine, could be your cable is getting stiff. Remove from the linkage and push/pull by hand it should be easy, if you have to put much effort in it at all it is too stiff.

 

[havasuboatman]

Re: Engine dies when reverse

Sounds like a lower shift cable to me too. But definately check your adjustment on the remote shifter. After you get it adjusted, boat in the water, look at the remote shift unit on the engine while someone else puts the drive in reverse. Pay particular attention to the shift interrupt switch. If it's being activated while going IN to reverse, you likely need a new lower shift cable.
Oh, and don't ease the lever into gear. A quick, smooth motion is how you should be shifting.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Engine dies when reverse

Sounds like a lower shift cable to me too.

Ayuh,... Ditto on That,... Probably needs Replacing if it's never been done...

 

[dpoff]

Re: Engine dies when reverse

I`ll second the lower shift cable.
Same symptoms I had. Really dangerous coming into the dock when your trying to hit reverse and you can`t stop!!!

 

[neuro242]

Re: Engine dies when reverse

Im going to try your suggestions and see if its the lower shift cable but what's strange is its fine after the engine warms up. i was wondering if it was just cold. how does the choke work on this engine? i was told it was electronic and nothing to do. ive always just turned it over w/ no problems however the day the reverse issue started it did take longer to crank everytime, even after it was warm. any additional ideas?