Mercury 4 Sailpwer

[NickNick]

The Mercury 4hp Sailpower I have fitted to my boat will not drive the boat in reverse. The engine kicks up from the outboard pad when reved .Prop is turning but boat refuses to go backwards. Forward no problem goes like a train. Any suggestions as to what has broken or become detached and does this engine have a reed valve.Any help or ideas welcomed. Thanks in anticipation.
Nick.

 

[blue_anchor]

nick,should be simple..(!)..at the back of the engine there is a small plate,like a round stirrup,hinged on both sides with springs..this bears down on the little rod you see poking up about an inch from the leg when you select reverse and also closes the catch locking the motor on to the steel bar on the back of the engine mounting bracket(the same mechanism you use to tilt with the little lever)..phew.next bit is easy,remove the two bolts holding this,you will see the springs behind,clean off the gunk and get new ones..about ten minutes work..what may take longer is getting them..ive had long waits for ep barrus(main suppliers!!)by the way,grease that little pin..and make sure the waterjet is good..these engines salt up very easily,and if you cant flush them out with fresh water regularly,you have to get the head off and scrape it out,..very prone to overheating..hope it helps.