Reverse Issue

afd2131

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
May 24, 2012
Messages
42
Im having a reverse issue with my 1991, 125 hp Force outboard. When shifting into reverse Im getting a grinding noise, and it wont go into reverse. When the throttle is in full reverse, it engages. The clutch dog is brand new, all the gears look good, and we just recently replaced the throttle. We adjusted everything accordingly, and everything looks ok. The forward gear, and neutral are working perfectly. Could this be a problem with the cables? Anyone have the same issue or any insight?
 

sutor623

Rear Admiral
Joined
May 23, 2011
Messages
4,089
Re: Reverse Issue

Yes sounds like a shift linkage issue. You can try and adjust the linkage in the opposite direction to see if it smooths out reverse and roughens up forward. Best thing to do is disconnect linkage from the motor, and shift it by hand while the motor is idling. If it shifts without problems it is a linkage issue. If you have grinding, then you have a L/U problem.
 

afd2131

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
May 24, 2012
Messages
42
Re: Reverse Issue

Thanks, I read on another forum to disconnect the linkage and try shifting it by hand, so we are gonna try that first. I dont know how much this matters, but this is only happening when it is in the water, back pressure against the prop. When it runs on the flush cups, works perfectly.
 

sutor623

Rear Admiral
Joined
May 23, 2011
Messages
4,089
Re: Reverse Issue

Well that stinks, cause now youll have to remove the linkage while on the water. :(
 

Jiggz

Captain
Joined
Oct 23, 2009
Messages
3,909
Re: Reverse Issue

When you mentioned that if you push the throttle control further in reverse direction it fully engages. Well, that is a good indication you need to zero in the shift rods using the upper shift rod adjustment nuts. On older 125's these nuts are located under the carbs.
 

sutor623

Rear Admiral
Joined
May 23, 2011
Messages
4,089
Re: Reverse Issue

When you mentioned that if you push the throttle control further in reverse direction it fully engages. Well, that is a good indication you need to zero in the shift rods using the upper shift rod adjustment nuts. On older 125's these nuts are located under the carbs.

But doesn't that still mean that the cable is stretched past functionability?
 

Jiggz

Captain
Joined
Oct 23, 2009
Messages
3,909
Re: Reverse Issue

in your original post you mentioned about replacing the throttle so it means it needs to be zero'ed in first. Is it a stretch control cable? It could be but a stretch cable affects both directions. I mean, if you suspect a control cable to be stretched, that means both fwd and reverse will be affected.

OK, so maybe its stretched and didn't affect the fwd shifting, but still you should be able to adjust the shift rods to zero it again. In fact, even with a new control cable you are still required to verify it is zero'ed in. I'll say make adjustments to the shift rod first and see if that will fix your problem before jumping to replacing the control cables.
 

jerryjerry05

Supreme Mariner
Joined
May 7, 2008
Messages
18,074
Re: Reverse Issue

I just replaced all 4 cables on my motors.
Installed them the way they came out.Still had to reset the cables.
If the cable has no cracks and isin't tied down.
They are probably good.
They must be free at the end and need the loop.
Unhook at the motor and see how hard it is to shift.
ANY resistance=bad.
Did you make sure the red or black throttle connector is hooked up right?
Red is for throttle.
On the wrong side?Will cause problems.
You sure the new shifter is the right one???
Not all shifters have the same throw.
 
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