Help, Motor shifting is reversed - The Hull Truth

Paul_735 · 09-06-2009, 03:54 PM

Hey,

I bought a boat this summer with an 1982 4cyl 80hp Mercury outboard. The main problem I'm having is that the forward and reverse shifting seems to be reversed. The boat goes backwards while the controler is in forward, and vice-versa. Now the previous owner noted at the time of sale that the water impeller had recently been replaced during a Tune-up, and even with my limited knowledge of outboards, I know that they had to pull the lower unit to replace it.

Is it possible that who ever worked on this motor somehow messed up the forward and reverse postion of the gear selector shaft or something? If so, how do I get things back as they should be.

Any advice would greatly be appreciated as I'd like to atleast get this boat 100% squared away before winter, so next season It will be ready to go.

A1 Outboard · 09-07-2009, 06:33 AM

Try dropping the gearcase and reinstalling correctly. When the gearcase is off, shift it to foward gear - clockwise rotation of the driveshaft turns the propshaft clockwise. Place the remote control in foward and install the gearcase. Someone will have to turn the flywheel to help align the driveshaft splines. You may have to use a small screwdriver to help align the shift shaft. A little grease in the water pump tube opening will make installation easier.