Boat motor trouble

[RUGER]

I have a 1985 Mercury 35 hp tiller handle motor on my boat.

Time before last that we went out it performed perfectly.
Then the last time we went out I fired it up and put it in reverse to back it off the trailer and it wouldn't do anything.

Basically it won't go forward or reverse.
The prop spins free but it just won't go in gear.

I THOUGHT there was a pin out of a hole in the engagement "bracket" but I looked today and there is nothing to put in that hole.

The gear shift moves fine but "something" just ain't clicking.

Anyone ever heard of such or had such?
Any input would be greatly appreciated.

 

[vanleerbuckbuster]

i wouldnt be much help with a merc. check out the iboat forums. someone there can help you for sure.

 

[CATCHDAWG]

B.o.a.t.
Break out another thousand!

 

[RUGER]

Thanks, I will check there.

 

[Poleaxe]

Sorry man. Im not a mechanic. If u cant get it up and runnin drive down and u can go with me.

 

[CATCHDAWG]

My reply was obviously sarcasm, but it sounds like a linkage problem. Can't be much to that...?

 

[sellsman11]

That sounds like an issue in the linkage. At the back of the engine there should be a rod connected to another by a long nut. It can be adjusted. Maybe?

 

[Trapper John]

I agree. Sounds like linkage. My Yamaha was incredibly hard to shift from neutral to reverse when I first got it until I tinkered with the...well, I don't know the technical term for it. The long cylinder with the nut on it.

Also, when I replaced the water pump and had to undo the linkage, before I hooked everything back together the motor would do exactly as you say. It might have just come loose.

 

[SES]

Go to Bass Boat Central. There are several mechanics on there that can answer about any question you have.

 

[RUGER]

I am pretty sure it is the linkage but I can't see anything that is unhooked.

The bracket that moves when you shift it has a stud sticking up out of it but I don't see anything that would hook back up to it.

Very confusing and frustrating as I can't really see good up under everything in the motor.

Grrrrr.

 

[catman529]

does the clutch have a pin that may have broken? I dont know much about motors but that came to mind

 

[lockandloaded]

I agree sounds like a linkage problem. Unfortunately most of the time the linkage connects to the down rod under the power head. Then the shifter down rod connects to the shift dogs. Which also could be another source of the problem.
I had a Johnson once In the corner of the garage that fell over. I didn't know until I went to put it on the boat the night before a fishing trip I bent the shift linkage. Luckily I had a spare linkage and had to pull the power head out just to replace it that night. But I did make it fishing. Hope it's a quick and easy do for you.

 

[RUGER]

Lower unit was full of water.
Froze and shoved everything out the prop end.

 

[timberjack86]

B.o.a.t.
Break out another thousand!

I had a friend who spent $2000 on a outboard trying to get in running.

 

[smokepolemonky]

Lower unit was full of water.
Froze and shoved everything out the prop end.

Did it strip the threads out when it pushed out if so you will have to get a new foot and install the internal gearing into it might find a used/junked out one somewhere.i always lower my engine the water will drain when i get home from a fishing/boating trip and leave it down all winter. there should be a flush plug on the side that you could squirt some antifreeze inside to keep it fron freezing but turn it over some to mix it with the water in the foot. Hope it helps Ruger.