This past weekend on Fork. I learned I had no reverse... when I would pull back for reverse it would make this clicking noise.... I brought to a shop and they initaly thought it was cable.... when it was put in reverse the prop would not turn (motor off) when in drive it would not turn the other way. Well I call this am to check on the boat and they say it is soem clutch thingy in the lower end..... I am not saying I dont trust this person i just am clueless to Outboard motors.... Does any of this sound familiar to anyone else and if so any idea on repairs...

I believe in fixing things the correct way no used or work arounds.... if it is broke I want it repaird the best way... obviously I could get a 3ay with out a reverse for awhile but I am a believer in proper maintance and not letting things continue to be broke or it will catch up with me....


I have a 1991 mariner 115....

You probably have a 3 jaw clutch dog on that engine. Those were particularly bad about stripping out over time. The newer gear cases (1996 and up) normally have the 6 jaw clutch dog and gears in them. Either way, you probably will need a new gear set, so you might as well have the mechanic change it out to a six jaw instead of a three jaw.

Anytime I get one in that needs a new gearcase, I just order a six jaw gearcase and put that one on it.

NTF is right about the gears/clutch set. You might also try adjusting the shift cable. Check the slop in the control box, and how much end play you have on the prop. Too much, means that the forward and reverse gears are out of speck and the clutch cannot reach the reverse gear. It also, and I've seen this a bi-zillion times, The shift cam is flat and no longer can push the clutch rod far enoungh to grab reverse. Any how you look at it, more than likely you need to open the lower unit up and check it out. Whatever you do, do NOT, continue to ratchet reverse. You run the risk of chipping a tooth and distroying the entire lower unit..............

thanks for all the information.... It helped me while I spoek with him to show I might have a tad bit of intelegence.... thanks alot.....