Evinrude 140 TL 78 C not going into reverse

[TheGeffy]

I apologize if i sound new to boats. I just recently purchased an older Dixie model boat with an evinrude 140 1978 motor. The guy said it doesn't have reverse and everything else works. I have not really dug into it much other than shifting it forward and reverse and it not go into reverse. When i shift it all the way forward it engages forward gear. When i put it back to neutral, i hear a click but it's not in neutral, i have to click it out and into reverse a little and then back for it to stay in neutral. When i move it all the way back it just free spins like it's still in neutral. I have done some research and apparently this is maybe a common problem? There is a shift lever assembly that can wear out? My questions are has anyone had this issue? if so what are some ways to check if its the shift lever assembly or possibly something else in the engine not engaging reverse. Also when it goes into reverse there is movement in the motor. ANY HELP WOULD BE GREATLY APPRECIATED!

 

[Boobie]

Take the shift cable off of the motor once and try shifting just the motor and see what happens.

 

[FlatsStalker]

Does it sounds like it's slipping, grinding, no sounds at all? When putting into reverse? Did you try what Boobie suggested?

 

[TheGeffy]

Ok I removed the shift cable and manually shifted it. It will go into forward and back into neutral no problem. I tried putting it into reverse and it wont go down. It feels like there is something stopping it from fully going into reverse. If i put a lot of pressure back on the shift lever the propeller will barely start to click like it wants to engage but i don't want to put a lot of stress on the lever. I got a flashlight and could not see anything.

 

[Boobie]

Pull the lower unit and check the shift rod o-ring. They like to swell up.

 

[joereeves]

It's possible that someone had the lower unit off to install a water pump or what have you, and in the process changed the shift rod height measurement... which is critical!

The measurement must be, with the lower unit in neutral, from the top surface of the lower unit to the center of the top hole of the shift rod...... as follows:

1978 - All V/4 Models = (L) 21-53/64" - - (XL) 26-53/64" plus/minus 1/32". Have shift rod in neutral.

One turn out of the way will make shift adjustments impossible.