Will not engage in reverse (problem 2 0f 2)

[Xesvuli420]

Here's something else new this year. When I try and engage reverse I hear this high speed clak clak clak clak clak etc. sound coming from under my engine cover. Upon inspection, i realized that the clak'ing is coming from this claw looking thing. Its black, and has rounded finger like things. I wish I could be more detailed, but I've never seen anything like it before.

It has a micro switch with a metal tab that gets stuck by one of the knobby "fingers" when the boat is in neutral, so I assume the micro switch is some type of lockout switch that keeps the boat from cranking in gear.

From what I could tell with the engine off, when shifting from forward, thru neutral, into reverse, the "claw" (which is firmly seated on some type of peg that interlaces with the "fingers", moves up and makes contact with the switch (neutral), then moves back down as the throttle goes into reverse. This is where I think the problem is, as the claw does not fully seat on the peg as it did in a forward gear. IF the boat is running and I do the same test, as I move from neutral to reverse the claw violently bounces up and down making the clak clak clak sound, and never seats into that peg.

I hope my explanations don't confuse you, but I figured I would throw it out there hoping for someone to know exactly what I'm talking about. If not I can snap some pictures, but it will have to be later as I am not around the boat.

Thank you everyone!

 

[Bondo]

Re: Will not engage in reverse (problem 2 0f 2)

Ayuh,... Has this boat EVER been maintained,..??
After just reading problem 1 of 2, then this 1,.. I'm begining to Doubt it...

You need a New Lower Shift Cable.... It's Not the black Claw thingy you're lookin' at...

 

[bigskiohio]

Re: Will not engage in reverse (problem 2 0f 2)

i would tell you to try adjusting the cable but as i dont think you know or have a idea what you are looking at, take it to a dealer or a knowlegeable friend

 

[Xesvuli420]

Re: Will not engage in reverse (problem 2 0f 2)

i would tell you to try adjusting the cable but as i dont think you know or have a idea what you are looking at, take it to a dealer or a knowlegeable friend

Thats why there is something called a FORUM. And no, Ive never seen a "claw" before, THATS WHY I ASKED ABOUT IT! I know how to use hand tools, and I know a lot about cars and motorcycles. I am just new to boats. I want to learn how to work on my own boat, so I joined this forum so i could ask questions when I need to. If people just took their boat to a dealer or knowledgeable* friend then NO ONE WOULD BE HERE.

 

[Don S]

Re: Will not engage in reverse (problem 2 0f 2)

The first thing you need to do is get an OEM service manual at least so you could explain things with the proper terms.

By chance does this picture show something similar to your "Claw"?

 

[Xesvuli420]

Re: Will not engage in reverse (problem 2 0f 2)

The first thing you need to do is get an OEM service manual at least so you could explain things with the proper terms.

By chance does this picture show something similar to your "Claw"?

yes sire, you are 100% right about me getting a manual! I preach that to everyone who ever ask me to work on their bikes, just haven't been able to get my hands on one yet!

As far as the picture, YES thats the CLAW thing I was referring to, just setup a little different I believe

 

[Don S]

Re: Will not engage in reverse (problem 2 0f 2)

I'm sure the above is a little different from yours, it's on an OMC 460 Ford.

As Bond-o mentioned, you probably have a binding lower shift cable. If they suddenly need to be adjusted when they used to work fine, they need replace. They usually wear grooves inside the cable and create so much excess slack that they can't reach all the way into both gears.

 

[bigskiohio]

Re: Will not engage in reverse (problem 2 0f 2)

I was not being a smart ***, sometimes you can only get so much info from a forum and the rest is up to you . Sometimes it is easier to get a friend or mechanic to look at your problem.As usual don knows what you are talking about, becuase the terms you were using just made me think that would be the fastest way to get your boat fixed.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Will not engage in reverse (problem 2 0f 2)

As Bond-o mentioned, you probably have a binding lower shift cable. If they suddenly need to be adjusted when they used to work fine, they need replace. They usually wear grooves inside the cable and create so much excess slack that they can't reach all the way into both gears.

Ayuh,... And considering the shift cable runs down pretty tight to the exhaust, it's probably Melted from running it Dry, because of the Bad Impeller......