reverse issues alpha 1

[Vroom_vroom]

so my new to me '90 maxum 1800 came home in April, its a 3.0 alpha 1 (gen1) and for the most part has been stellar, well maintained, one owner and had maintenance records. however on the test run the one thing we didnt test was throwing it into reverse. it just kills the motor via the cutout switch, when i pulled the shift cable off the cable arm on top of the motor i could manually move the cable and the prop would lock up in the forward position however it will still not engage reverse. it is just a ratcheting with no resistance. any ideas on what to look for next? has no issues engaging and going forward just no reverse.

 

[Bondo]

Ayuh,..... Welcome Aboard,..... Sounds like it's due for a lower shift cable replacement,......

 

[alldodge]

Your saying, you can have the lower shift cable disconnected, and the boat on the hard, and you cannot get it to go into reverse by moving the cable?

 

[QBhoy]

How’s your idle speed ?

 

[Vroom_vroom]

Your saying, you can have the lower shift cable disconnected, and the boat on the hard, and you cannot get it to go into reverse by moving the cable?

I disconnected the cable that controls my shifting from the top of the motor by the cut out switch, (assuming that’s where it should be tested at) and when I push it in, the prop locks into forward, when you pull it out all the way the prop just ratchets instead of locking up.

idle speed is good, 6-700rpm but I can’t even get it to engage reverse with the cable off the shift linkage on the motor.

How invasive is a lower shift cable?

 

[alldodge]

I disconnected the cable that controls my shifting from the top of the motor by the cut out switch, (assuming that’s where it should be tested at) and when I push it in, the prop locks into forward, when you pull it out all the way the prop just ratchets instead of locking up.

idle speed is good, 6-700rpm but I can’t even get it to engage reverse with the cable off the shift linkage on the motor.

How invasive is a lower shift cable?

ok that's good, there is probably an issue with the lower shift cable, or the drive. Remove the drive and see if you can get it to lock F/R by moving the shift fork, noting straight forward prop is in forward gear