Forwards awesome; reverse, not so awesome...

[Deep_Blue]

I've got a 1987 merc 90 inline 2-stroke. When in forward there’s no problem (sounds tight and engine hauls azz). But if I kick it into reverse it works but there’s a smacking sound every second or so (and this is near idle speeds, I'm afraid to go much higher then that). What component could be making that sound?

 

[gungalunge]

Re: Forwards awesome; reverse, not so awesome...

deep hi again .I just took the lower end of my motor apart .to my surprize the pinion nut on the end of the drive shaft fell loose .. I have a 1974 115 hp . while inspecting everything when i took it a part I just kept buying all the things for a complete rebuild . it had wear in all areas . the shifter cam on your engine may be your cause of bad reverse .mine was hammered due to bad beaings and a loose pinion nut . but really once you get in there look at it .If all of that stuff is not right a chain reaction occurs . i would say it is time to get in there before more stuff breaks . have a look really as much as you dont want to ..do it now save and some parts . My reverse gear jammed with the same symptoms . and the shifter would not move to forward or neutral . so far two weeks out of the water .:'(