Reverse shifting
 

Port motor is starting to get next to impossible the shift into reverse
Forward is real easy
reverse I have to sometimes hit the handle hard to get it in.
I pulled the cable from the shifter off at the mechanism and the shifter moves freely
Would it be the cable more so then the lever on the drive?
Is this something that can be done without pulling hte drive?

Re: Reverse shifting
 

Usually it's in the lower shift cable (from top of motor to drive). You will have to pull the drive to replace it.

Re: Reverse shifting
 

Bravo 1 or alpha, If it's the alpha the engine shift cut out for reverse is not operating properly, you have to adjust it.

Re: Reverse shifting
 

The engine cut-out is only used when shifting out of a gear, not into.
Momentarily stalling the engine allows the engagement dogs to release witout excessive strain on the cables and mechanism.

Re: Reverse shifting
 

This is a bravo.

Re: Reverse shifting
 

thanks Cord
yes it is a bravo1 1999 lwp
does the drive have to come all the way out? or is it true to what I remember that yu can unhook the cable with the spines still there?
Then I can slid it back in and have time to pull the cable out since I am ding this alone :(

Re: Reverse shifting
 

drive has to come all the way out. You need to get a deep socket on a nut that is recessed into the face of the housing on which the drive bolts to in order to get the cable out.

It's not too bad to put a bravo back on by yourself. trick is to get a couple pieces of wood to sit in on so you don't have to lift it up to get in back on.

Re: Reverse shifting
 

Before you pull the drive, drain about a quart of oil out of the bottom plug and then pull the back cover off of the upper. There is a ball and spring detent in their that helps hold the drive in gear. It is possible that something is wrong in there and is causing hard shifting. Water can leak into the detent section and corrode things. Mine would not stay in forward last year and I started thinking of all the bad things that could cause it. I just had to replace the link that connects to the shifter cable. I know it is the opposite problem you are having but, it is simple to pull the cover and check it out before you pull the drive. Maybe you'll get lucky, too. :drink: