Mercruiser 165 - No reverse

[yachtsman44]

I am in process of maybe buying a boat with the Merc 165hp engine I/O 1974I am told the boat "has no reverse".....

How can I check what the cause of this is and what expenses I am looking at before I commit to buying the boat?

 

[Don S]

Re: Mercruiser 165 - No reverse

I would disconnect the shift cable that goes from the outdrive to the engine compartment. (There are 2 cables on the bracket)
Then Start the engine (on muffs of course) and see if you can shift the drive by pushing and pulling the cable.
If it works then, you probably only need a cable adjustment or probably need a new lower shift cable. If they have a lot of wear inside the cable, it causes lots of extra slack and then you only have enough throw to go 1 direction.

 

[Haut Medoc]

Re: Mercruiser 165 - No reverse

Or there can be excessive play in the shift mechanism in the lower unit itself......​

 

[eddy pons]

Re: Mercruiser 165 - No reverse

the shift cable is mounted in the inner transom plate,the one you want is the one with small brass barrell that a cotter pin holds it in place, disconnect it and have some one check the propeller if it locks on gear,(dont run the motor)manually push the cable in this engages fowd(prop locks counterclockwise)push the cable out Rev,,(prop locks clock wise) if it does not you probably need the cable replaced about 150.00 bucks,,

 

[Muqwump]

Re: Mercruiser 165 - No reverse

Before you take it apart... Does it die when you put it into reverse???
If so you may need to adjust the shift interupt switch if it is still good. This switch is mounted on the shift plate.