1988 Evinrude 200 XP - Won't shift to reverse cold...

[Eric - Bass OH]

When I first get to the lake, My motor does not want to shift into reverse...once I have run a little was in forward it will go into reverse perfect? Any ideas?

I drained and replaced the gear oil to make sure that was not the issue. I have adjusted the cable to make sure it is in the right position as well.


Thank you for your ideas.

[ChampioNman]

Clutch dog.

[gearcaseman]

Sometimes the brass bushing inside forward gear will move forward and cause this. If it continues to get worse over time, I would check into this. This bushing is preventing the shift shaft from moving rearward far enough to engage reverse. This is just another possibility.