I have a Bravo 3 that seems to have issues shifting into reverse. When I shift into reverse, it usually delays for a few seconds and then it sounds like it’s slipping until it finally locks into reverse. I’m good on the gear lube level. Any ideas what might be happening, Thanks.

Using Mercury gear oil?

Yes

First thing to check is shift cable adjustment

Ok, thank you. I should be able to find that in the Merc manual.

After you do all that and it still does it, you are probably going to find out it is the cone clutch assembly. Depending on age, you may have to rebuild the whole upper end, those early parts have been replaced by the newer stuff and it does not match up. Happened to a friends port drive this summer. Same symptoms, but on a B1.

Thank you for the heads up. It’s a model year 2000 but the lower unit was replaced around 2012.

I have the same issue on my B3 except mostly in forward. Pretty sure it's the cone clutch slipping. Now I have to find a GOOD mechanic in PA cause this is out of my wheel house

b1 and b3 have same uppers.....so same problems with shifting and cone clutch. inspection is needed to fix the issue, get the 5.00 tool to measure the shift cable to see if its close. pull the pin so you can man. put in in gear without shifting at the helm. If cable is free and not binding. pull the drive and have your mechanic tear down the upper.

Check the shift cable adjustment like everyone’s said and if that’s ok, pull the drive , disassemble and check the keepers and collar that mates against the top gear, if the keepers are grooved and shiny and the collar is shiny too, replace those and give it a try