Re: 86 40hp evinrude wont stay in reverse
Easiest test is to disconnect the shift cable at the engine, and manually shift it. If it stays in reverse without the cable attached, then it is probably either an adjustment or bad cable. Roughly speaking, they are usually adjusted by removing the shift cable at the engine, shifting the engine into neutral, and shifting the shifter into neutral. You then adjust the nut or adjuster at the engine until the cable can be connected without moving the cable or engine shift lever. Sometimes you may have to compensate one direction or the other, depending on the engine.