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I kept playing with the shift cable adjusting the knob to where sometimes it goes in reverse and other times not. If I put it in neutral turn the prop some then try reverse it will not go in reverse. Then I can turn the prop again and it will go right in reverse. Is this normal or have I done some damage? Either way I'm taking it to the shop. I just I hope I didn't mess any of the teeth up on gears. Thanks
If you are talking about the adjuster on end of shift cable to shift lever at console, disconnect it from the shift lever on motor. Put that lever in neutral, put shift lever at console in neutral, then adjust cable end until it aligns with hole in engine shift lever. Once everything is hooked up try shifting with it running. Most outboards are hard to get into reverse unless running by the nature of the way gears are set up on shaft. Any time you are shifting an outboard it needs to be done quickly. If it is grinding or raking the gears you are usually shifting to slow. Those gears are not sincronized like a automotive transmission.
Normally the motor would be cranked and running when you put the motor into reverse or into any gear so you would not have to turn the prop by hand. That is the reason that some people said you need to put the motor in gear with one fast motion of the shifter when putting your boat motor in gear to keep from grinding the gears. I would say that just trying to adjust the shifter while not running the motor would not damage it. But it would be best to let a qualified boat mechanic check it out. The reason being that if it keeps grinding the gears when you try to put it into gear it will damage the motor. While the mechanic is adjusting this he will also adjust the throttle idle so everything works smoothly when going into gear. Best of luck and hope you get back on the water soon.:twocents
I was hoping you would read this before I cut the computer off. Thanks Cray I'll try it in the morning.
Thanks Scrat!