No reverse!

kennharriet · Posted: Fri Jun 13, 2014 1:22 pm Post subject: No reverse!

While docking at Friday Harbor this morning, I could not get my 1999 Honda BF75 into reverse. It will only grind until I slip it back into neutral. I tried it several times without success. Any ideas?

thataway · Posted: Fri Jun 13, 2014 1:42 pm Post subject:

Hopefully it is the linkage adjustment--but I would drain the lower unit, and see what the lubricant looks like--also check for any metal particles.

kennharriet · Posted: Sun Jun 15, 2014 6:59 pm Post subject:

We got home without reverse ok. While flushing the motor with the muffs, the motor would engage in reverse just fine. Hopefully it only needs some cable adjustment so will be researching that. Thanks for the input Bob, I'll drain and check the oil looking for any pieces big enough to read the part number. : )
Had a nice visit with Tom from Susan E while overnighting at FB. Sorry we missed you and Susan for breakfast.

Kushtaka · Posted: Mon Jun 16, 2014 2:38 pm Post subject:

It probably isn't the cause, but one other thing to check is that your throttle advance lever is all the way down. It locks the controls in neutral when its up, and it can do funny things when it is just up a tiny bit.

kennharriet · Posted: Mon Jun 16, 2014 7:41 pm Post subject:

Thanks again for the input Bob and Kushtaka. I disconnected the clutch cable linkage at the motor and lengthened the "throw" a couple of turns. This centered the detent position when in neutral. I also drained the gear oil as Bob suggested and there was no appearance that the gear case was making metal. I then ran the motor in a stock tank and found the forward and reverse to work normally. Good to go I believe.