Shifting into reverse

[afd21]

Im having a huge problem shifting into reverse. I have a 120hp Force outboard, 1992 I think. The engine shifts into forward just fine, neutral is ok, but it does not engage when shifting into reverse, the engine just reves. Occasionally if you go all the way back into reverse it will catch and engage. Is this a problem with the throttle or something in the gear box?

 

[reddogg]

Re: Shifting into reverse

Have you tried adjusting the shifter yet? Where the shift cables enter the engine there should be a thumb wheel that allows you to adjust it. Mark it where it is right now so you can put it back if it dosent work, but try playing with the wheel to see if it's an adjustment issue.

Red

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: Shifting into reverse

Does your engine have Mercury contols and plastic ended cables or US Marine controls and Teleflex threaded end cables?

 

[afd21]

Re: Shifting into reverse

I am 99% sure they are the US Marine Teleflex cables

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: Shifting into reverse

OK So what you need top do is adjust shift linkage throw. Just remember that DOWN is forward. And remember, check for binding before you make adjustments.

Thus you need to raise the linkage so it is biased a little more toward reverse--but don't go too far, there is not a lot of travel and you may lose forward.

Below the transom clamps just above the ledge on the midleg is a bent rod with a pin going through it. Remove the pin nand try to screw the straight rod down (clockwise a turn. Continue until you get both forward and reverse reliably.

If the straight rod will not screw in clockwise, then you must go under the bottom carb. There will be a plate there with one nut below it and one nut above it. Screw down the bottom nut and follow by tightening down the top to again lock the plate between them. Do this about 1/8 of a turn at a time until again, you reliably get forward and reverse.

 

[afd21]

Re: Shifting into reverse

Frank- Ive already adjusted that shift lever to the best of my abilities. As far as I can tell, its right where it should be. Do you think this could be a problem up in the throttle? I just recently had the clutch dog replaced also, and all the gears are in great shape!

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: Shifting into reverse

OK! If you are certain that it is not the gearbox, then you need to check the control box and cables. FIRST: Check the shift cable at the engine to be certain that it is set correctly into the linkage arm. There is a groove around the swaged stainless cable jacket into which fits the tab in the stainless plate that holds the cable jacket to the shift linkage.

If that's not it: Just to set your mind at ease, remove the control box from the panel. Now put it in neutral and see if the shift cable and lever is in correct position--usually 90 degrees from throttle lever. I remember the Chrysler controls but don't off the top of my head remember US Marine. look back at the engine and see if the linkage there is centered. You can tell because the neutral stop plates will be even with each other. If they are not even, adjust cable at both ends until they are, then adjust the neutral interlock cam (two pan head screws) so it depresses the switch.

EDIT: Oh, BTW: Your cables are not too short are they? There should be a 1 to 2 foot loop in the splashwell to prevent binding.