140 HP Mercury outboard?

Question

Year unknown. Just purchased. Mounted on a houseboat. The lower end was just rebuilt, but motor will only go in reverse when first started. We are able to back out of our slip, but then we lose reverse and the engine dies everytime we try to put it into reverse. Any idea what might be wrong? Thanks.

Answer 1

2 things could be wrong

1st  the shift cable needs to be adjusted

2nd if it stalls  could be the stator

Answer 2

Try disconnecting the shift cable from the shift lever on the motor, and shift using the lever(leave the boat tied up for this test). The cable may need replacing or adjusting. Otherwise, there is a problem in the lower unit.

Answer 3

The lower unit was not lined-up correctly. It will have to be removed, lined-up & reinstalled.