Won't reverse anymore

[snapshotmd]

I took my boat out with 1990 25HP Mercury motor over the weekend for the first time and found it won't go in reverse. A few weeks before, I tested the motor out on the trailer and the prop spun in reverse. Now it doesn't. With the motor off, when I put the gear in reverse the prop does not move when I try to move it with my hand. When geared forward the prop could spin in one direction.

Any ideas what might have happened, and how I could fix it?

 

[kam]

Re: Won't reverse anymore

try checking the gear oil, if nothing but water comes out take it in soon as possible or the gears and bearings could rust

 

[snapshotmd]

Re: Won't reverse anymore

try checking the gear oil, if nothing but water comes out take it in soon as possible or the gears and bearings could rust

I checked the lower unit fluid (I believe this is where the gears are) and there is no leakage.

With the motor off, when I put the gear in reverse the prop does not move when I try to move it with my hand.

When I say this I mean the prop has some play, perhaps a half inch, before it hits a dead stop.

 

[snapshotmd]

Re: Won't reverse anymore

Talking to one of my coworkers, he suggested to check the shift linkage. Low and behold, a bushing was worn out and was popping off a lever when put into reverse. I just ordered the bushing from boats.com.