Force 1995 90HP won't go into reverse.

[legalfee]

Hi everyone. I've got a Sylvan pontoon with a 90HP Force outboard. One day I went to put it in reverse and it wouldn't engage and I heard a clicking sound. I haven't taken it out of the water yet but I assume the reverse gear is gone. Would I be better off replacing the lower unit with a rebuilt one, putting it in the shop for repair, or just living without a reverse gear? I plan to eventually replace the motor with a four stroke Mercury. Thanks for any advice or recommendations.

 

[SkiDad]

sometimes you can adjust the shift linkage below the carbs to get it to go into reverse - just don't move it too much or it won't fully engage in forward. I'm not sure on a 95 though since it is a mercury lower unit.

 

[legalfee]

It's possible the linkage could be adjusted. The problem happened after I got the boat back from the upholstery shop. They put in a new console and moved the throttle / shifter. I just don't know how to adjust it.

 

[blackd]

You tube can be your friend here. Most OB motors are very much alike to adjust.

What year is your motor? If its a Mercury/Force, 1995-1998, the earlier years to 1997 had 3 jaw shift pawls, and if you decide to replace with another Mercury LU it will need to be the same. To use a 1998 6 jaw pawl LUs on an older motor 95-97 requires a new shift lever and that requires removing the power head.

 

[blackd]

It sounds like the upholster did not adjust the cables after his work. Shift cable is on the right side of the motor. Put the motor in neutral. Take the cable off the shift lever and using your hand on the shift lever shift the motor into reverse. It might take a little pressure on the prop. If it goes into reverse by hand then look at the sift cable end to see where it aligns with the shift lever. It will probably be short. Loosen the lock nut and screw the cable in the direction to match the shift lever position. Place the cable on the sift lever and put motor in neutral. Now go spin the prop and listen for the click. If its still there adjust the cable shorter ~ 1 turn. Spin the prop and listen for the click. Repeat until its gone.

If you can not remove the clicking sound or it still won't go into reverse of forward after the adjustments, then you might need Lower Unit work.

Some level of MINOR clicking may remain due to wear in the overall shift mechanism/cables. Just be aware that the louder clicking means the shift jaws are touching when in neutral and may be wearing them.