Merc 80 HP reverse lock problem

[Luger1]

I have a Mercury 80 serial # 3052377 (1977 ? ) . The reverse lock hook only grabs when the control arm (throttle hande ) is about halfway in reverse. By then the RPMs are to high and the motor wants to jump out of the water. It is not locked at all in nuetral. I have tried adjusting the pushrod and control cables with no luck.
Is the problem in the lower unit. Scary ! Anything else I should try before I dive into the lower unit ?
Thanks ahead.

 

[Moody Blue]

Re: Merc 80 HP reverse lock problem

Think you probably have a 1970 motor with that S/N.

Does it have the red accent bands on the shroud?

More than likely one of two (or both) things are worn. The reverse lock rod and/or the reverse lock cam. The reverse lock rod extends from the top of the lower unit up to the reverse lock linkage . The reverse lock cam sits over the lower shift rod on the lower unit. It is easily accessible once the lower unit is removed.