No reverse, stuck in forward on 2003 Mercury Optimax DFI 135hp

brownja2x · Jul 25, 2016

I have a 2003 Mercury Optimax DFI 135hp outboard on my pontoon boat. I recently lost reverse all of a sudden and now the engine is stuck in forward. Does anyone know what this could be? Shift cable? Linkage? Something more serious? Thanks for your help!

Docksidemarineservices · Jul 25, 2016

The shift bushing under the front of the power head may be locked up. Can you move the shifter?

brownja2x · Jul 25, 2016

Docksidemarineservices said:
The shift bushing under the front of the power head may be locked up. Can you move the shifter?

Yes, the shifter moves fine.

Docksidemarineservices · Jul 25, 2016

Pull the cover and look at the shift slide. Make sure the cable is moving the slide.

brownja2x · Jul 26, 2016

Docksidemarineservices said:
Pull the cover and look at the shift slide. Make sure the cable is moving the slide.

It does not move the slide, this is why I assume it is a stretched or broken cable? I did try putting it in gear by hand and it will go in that way (with engine off) and prop does not spin when in gear with engine off.

Docksidemarineservices · Jul 26, 2016

So you have a broken cable and or shifter.

No reverse, stuck in forward on 2003 Mercury Optimax DFI 135hp

brownja2x

New member

Docksidemarineservices

Silver Medal Contributor

brownja2x

New member

Docksidemarineservices

Silver Medal Contributor

brownja2x

New member

Docksidemarineservices

Silver Medal Contributor

Outboard Motor Parts

Inboard & Sterndrive Engine Parts

Manufacturer Catalogs

All Engine Brands

Outboard Repair Manuals

Inboard & Sterndrive Engine Manuals

Shop by Accessory Category

Please Note

Join the Forum

Discussion Topics

Outboard Motors

Inboard & Sterndrive Engines

Contact & About

Ordering

Returns

No reverse, stuck in forward on 2003 Mercury Optimax DFI 135hp

brownja2x

New member

Docksidemarineservices

Silver Medal Contributor

brownja2x

New member

Docksidemarineservices

Silver Medal Contributor

brownja2x

New member

Docksidemarineservices

Silver Medal Contributor