The Boating Forum - 1975 70hp evinrude stuck in reverse...help...

Hope you can help me,

Last summer my 16ft trihull overheated. I replaced thermostat and impeller. Followed manual as I removed lower unit by placing shifter in reverse. Struggled but removed and replaced lower unit. Now shifter is stuck in reverse and will not budge, I do not want to force it. Have I overlooked something or do I need a mechanic? Model # is70573B. Any tips would greatly be appreciated.

Would photos help?

Stuck in reverse.

Your shift linkage is not properly connected. Dont force it.

Drop lower unit loosen shift linkage and re-assemble.

dropped lower unit several times b/c linkage needed to be pulled up all the way for reverse. If it snagged on anything as I slid it on it would go in neutral, a lot of trial and error. I know it in reverse now b/c as I turn motor shaft turns in reverse.

dropped lower unit several times b/c linkage needed to be pulled up all the way for reverse. If it snagged on anything as I slid it on it would go in neutral, a lot of trial and error. I know it in reverse now b/c as I turn motor shaft turns in reverse.

Did you turn the shift shaft by accident?
It has to be a precise length to shift properly.
Use the info below to find yours and measure it as the directions state.

SHIFT ROD HEIGHT - 73’ THRU 81’ OMC Outboards
Use the following dimensions to make the correct height adjustment on the shift rod on all 50 thru 235 models from 1973 thru 1981.
S - Short Shaft (15”)
L - Long Shaft (20”)
XL - Extra Long (25”)

2 Cylinder
1973 - 50 manual start model in neutral (S) 16-7/32” (L) 21-7/32”
1973 - 50 electric start model in reverse (S) 16-7/32” (L) 21-7/32”
1974 - 50 electric start model in reverse with Hydro-Assist Gear case (S) 16-7/32” (L) 21-7/32”
1975-78 - 50, 55 and 60 electric start model in neutral (S) 15-29/32” (L) 20-29/32”
1977-81 - 50 and 55 manual start model in neutral (S) 16-23/32” (L) 21-23/32”

3 Cylinder
1973-74 - 65-70 model in neutral (S) 16-11/32” (L) 21-11/32”
1975 - 70 model with “B” model suffix in reverse (S) 16-11/32” (L) 21-11/32”
1975 - 70 model with “E” model suffix in neutral (S) 16-11/32” (L) 21-11/32”
1976-77 - 70 and 75 model in neutral (L) 21-25/64”
1978-81 - 70 and 75 model in neutral (L) 21-23/32”
1975-81 - 75 model in neutral (S) 16-13/32”

V-4
1977 - 140 model in neutral (L) 21-13/32” (XL) model 26-13/32”
1978 - V-4 model in neutral (L) 21-53/64” (XL) model in neutral 26-53/64”
1979-81 - V-4 model in neutral (L) 21-27/32” (XL) model in neutral 26-27/32”

V-6
1976 -200 model in neutral (L) 21-13/32” (XL) model in neutral 26-13/32”
1977-78 - V-6 model in neutral (L) 21-19/32” (XL) model 26-19/32”
1979-81 - V-6 model in neutral (L) 22-1/16” (XL) model in neutral 27-1/16”

NOTE: These measurements are made from the top or mating line of the gear case to the center line of the hole at the top of the shift rod.