Lost Reverse?

[86shortyG]

For no apparent reason, no reverse? I took the boat out two weeks ago with no issues. Yesterday i back to boat down the ramp unhook it, get in, and go to shift it into reverse, nothing but that grinding sound before the gear engages. I put in foreward drive, no problem back up on the trailer and i pull it out of the ramp. I'm thinking it's the linkage, so i pull the cowling and play with adjusting the linkage, nothing i do really helps it still won't lock in like it should. I did lock in one time when i held tension on the shifter in the reverse position and gave it a little throttle, but that it. without giving it throttle it won't engage like it should. Is it something with the linkage that i just can't get right and why would it just come out of adjustment like that by itself? any suggestions or similar situations would help. Thanks. 1999 Mercury 225 efi

[ChampRunner204]

Did you take sifter cable off at motor and try to shift it?

[EuropeanAM]

I agree that removing the shift cable at the engine connection, and then attempting to see if it will engage "reverse" is a good starting point.

However, based on your "area temperatures", I would also recommend that you check your gear lube!!! If you have water in the gearcase.... it may have frozen, preventing proper engagement of either/both gears. Keep in mind... the gearcase would need to be "thawed" before draining it would show water....

Also possible is a control and/or cable wear problem.

[86shortyG]

In the back of my mind, i did suspect the culpert might be gear oil. The temp here has been freezing could it be possible that if water got into my gearcase and froze around the reverse gear it would keep me from locking in reverse? And if that indeed happened what's the fix for getting water out of the gearcase,are the seals bad? Can i just drain the gear oil, and replace it with quicksilver performance gear oil? and try again. Or should I just wait for a while and let it warm up a bit? Thanks Guys

[EuropeanAM]

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by 86shortyG &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">In the back of my mind, i did suspect the culpert might be gear oil. The temp here has been freezing could it be possible that if water got into my gearcase and froze around the reverse gear it would keep me from locking in reverse? And if that indeed happened what's the fix for getting water out of the gearcase,are the seals bad? Can i just drain the gear oil, and replace it with quicksilver performance gear oil? and try again. Or should I just wait for a while and let it warm up a bit? Thanks Guys </TD></TR></TABLE>

I would be suspicious of "water in gearcase that has frozen".

Suggested "plan of attack":

1. THAW the gearcase. This will involve placing the boat in a heated area for a number of hours (or you could remove the gearcase and bring it inside until it thaws, if space for the boat is an issue). Don't attempt to use "fast thaw" methods.... there are potential risks of "further damage" involved.

2. Drain ALL of the lubricant, and inspect it for water.

3. IF water is present.... recommend a prompt "pressure test" of the gearcase to determine the location of the leak. Correct the problem(s), inspect gears/bearings/shafts, reassemble, and finally, retest for leaks. Once all leaks are repaired, refill and place it back in service. Most gearcase repairs require special tools, manuals, and training... and are usually best left to someone well versed in such repairs.

NOTE: If for any reason you decide you'll be taking the gearcase to the dealer... especially AFTER you've drained it and found water present, FILL THE GEARCASE WITH APPROPRIATE LUBE IMMEDIATELY. Refilling the gearcase may help to prevent rust, corrosion, or further damage.