kina

Out fishing in the boat and decided to go to a different spot. Put the outboard in forward and going reverse, instead. Hoping it’s something I can take care of myself. I’m thinking that it could be the linkage or a cable. Either way, I would appreciate advice from someone who knows about older outboard Mercury’s. Thank you. Kina

Roughneck Loc: Lake Weiss, Centre, Al

How old and what size is your motor. Just FYI, In the seventies Mercury produced some larger (90-100) hp inline six cylinder outboard engines that were directly connected to the prop.via a lower unit with no reverse gear. The engines had two ignition systems, one would start and run the engine in one direction for forward operation when the throttle lever was pushed forward. When throttle was returned to the center position the engine would shutdown. Upon moving the throttle lever in the reverse direction the engine would start up running in the opposite direction turning the prop backwards for reverse. If you came in to the dock two fast and needed reverse for braking you had better hope it would restart in reverse very quickly. Have to keep it tuned up good or crash into the dock. Anyone else remember these?

Jeremy Loc: America

Ignition in a 2 stroke doesn’t matter. But a reverse polarity starter or a reversible relay can do it. But yes your absolutely correct. 2 cycle wouldn’t matter it just has compression then ignition when piston goes down a portion of the power stroke ( lower portion ) draws in fresh fuel ( it has oil in it to lubricate lower bearings as it flows through crankcase ) that same lower portion of stroke on the way up pushes some exhaust out. The reed valves and ports are what cause the fresh fuel and exhaust to move one direction. The rotation of the crankshaft does the same thing as it turns forward or reverse in the top part ( compression... ignition.... combustion...

Some older 2 stroke engines use starter as charging systems as well. Many outboards don’t even have a charge line to charge the battery because battery is only needed to start the motor.

There is a possibility that the polarity is reversed on the type of 2 stroke described. If forward goes in reverse and visa versa the battery polarity is reversed somewhere. At first I didn’t respond to this thread but after seeing the reverse polarity suggestion it made sense. Can you put more information on the make and model? It will dictate more information on the engine.

One other possibility is the engine started in reverse or backfired and restarted in reverse to cause this same symptom

flyguy Loc: Lake Onalaska, Sunfish Capitol of the World!

flyguy Loc: Lake Onalaska, Sunfish Capitol of the World!

Welcome to the Forum, kina, Did you have to back, back to the dock?

Jeremy Loc: America

I went and googled your symptoms. There is several possibilities. The topics covered earlier. A lower unit could be a different one from original. Timing can be off via the throttle linkage.

Have you already owned the boat and not had anything done to outboard before the symptoms?

Flytier Loc: Wilmington Delaware

I've got to see the answer to this

Catfishmc Loc: Tallahassee, FL

I had that happen once, many moons ago. It was the shifter cable came loose from its
“Anchor point” so that the entire cable moved when the shifter moved. Frustrating until I had someone shift it while I looked closely at the motor end of the cable. It can happen at either end of the cable. Simple replacement cured the problem. Good luck

Jeremy Loc: America

Me too. I have never seen any response from the person who asked for help.

E.pa.al Loc: Martin's Creek

Hey Kina, welcome to fs.
Sounds like ur shift cable,but a bit more info will b very helpful...year, model & type of boat its on