1972 Merc 800 outboard not shifting into reverse

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Author Topic:   1972 Merc 800 outboard not shifting into reverse

DerickNIdaho posted 06-12-2007 08:40 PM ET (US)
Hi All. I got an 86 bayliner from my grandpaw and i am restoring it. It came with an 72 merc 800. I have replaced hoses and carb kits, crank seals and propeller. When I put it in forward everything works fine after adjusting carb but when i put it in reverse it doesn't go. After it goes past the point where it should be in gear the motor idles up and than it finally starts ratcheting. But still wont go in gear. Any Ideas. I put new clutch dogs in it as the old one was a little worn but didn't work. I'm thinking the mercontrol is messed up or a cable stretched or linkage wrong in the lower unit. The linkage is adjusted properly at the motor. Any Ideas?
dbrown posted 06-15-2007 07:19 PM ET (US)
I would disconnect the shift cable at the engine and manually try to shift it into reverse. If it goes, then you know your trouble is in the cable or control...
jimh posted 06-15-2007 10:59 PM ET (US)
Assuming you do get the cables and linkages adjusted, when you want to shift into REVERSE you have to do it with a quick and emphatic shift. Do not try to ease it into REVERSE, or it will grind and jump over the ratchets. The transmission is built so it more or less would like to move into FORWARD from NEUTRAL, but to go into REVERSE you have to really mean it.

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Author	Topic: 1972 Merc 800 outboard not shifting into reverse
DerickNIdaho	posted 06-12-2007 08:40 PM ET (US) Hi All. I got an 86 bayliner from my grandpaw and i am restoring it. It came with an 72 merc 800. I have replaced hoses and carb kits, crank seals and propeller. When I put it in forward everything works fine after adjusting carb but when i put it in reverse it doesn't go. After it goes past the point where it should be in gear the motor idles up and than it finally starts ratcheting. But still wont go in gear. Any Ideas. I put new clutch dogs in it as the old one was a little worn but didn't work. I'm thinking the mercontrol is messed up or a cable stretched or linkage wrong in the lower unit. The linkage is adjusted properly at the motor. Any Ideas?
dbrown	posted 06-15-2007 07:19 PM ET (US) I would disconnect the shift cable at the engine and manually try to shift it into reverse. If it goes, then you know your trouble is in the cable or control...
jimh	posted 06-15-2007 10:59 PM ET (US) Assuming you do get the cables and linkages adjusted, when you want to shift into REVERSE you have to do it with a quick and emphatic shift. Do not try to ease it into REVERSE, or it will grind and jump over the ratchets. The transmission is built so it more or less would like to move into FORWARD from NEUTRAL, but to go into REVERSE you have to really mean it.