Merc 200 (20HP) Do not shift in reverse anymore

[merc20076]

I have a Mercury 20HP 1975 (serial#: 4375175) and it doesn't shift in reverse anymore. In fact since that happened, the neutral position is in reverse position.

Any ideas what it could be? Major lower unit problem?

The motor received a new switch box, new coils and a new 9X9 propeller last summer and runs A1. The compression is at 120 PSI on both cylinders. I won't use much this outboard anymore so i'd like to fix the problem and then sell it.

 

[jerryjerry05]

Re: Merc 200 (20HP) Do not shift in reverse anymore

Sounds like a shift cable(possibly).Un hook it,start it then shift it manually at the motor.See what happenens.Check the lower oil for contamination.
If it work at the motor then the shifter needs attention.J

 

[merc20076]

Re: Merc 200 (20HP) Do not shift in reverse anymore

I forgot to mention that my 20HP Mercury is a manual start, tiller controlled.

The lower unit oil was change not long before the problem started.