Starboard engine won’t go into reverse

[BigJudy]

I have a 2011 242 limited s, and the starboard engine won’t go into reverse at will. I have to really play with it from forward to neutral and finally it will go into reverse. I checked the rear and nothing is jamming the reverse gates. This makes is extremely difficult to load back on a trailer or just docking the boat. Any ideas?

 

[fireflymedic]

Does the throttle stop suddenly like its hitting a obstacle (thinking backed out screw) or slowly binds up like cable is jamming up?

What is the bucket doing when someone is moving throttle back and fourth?

 

[BigJudy]

Yes it suddenly stops right before neutral when coming down. Like it’s hitting an obstacle. It’s only me, I have not been able to have someone do t while I was looking in the rear

 

[Bruce]

@Julian, Did you have a similar issue?

 

[Julian]

@Julian, Did you have a similar issue?

My issue was the gates not moving at all... That was due to a low battery.

I suspect something is binding. Try taking the cover of the gate motor controller behind the helm and see if if moves manually easily. If it doesn't move easily... Need to research why.

 

[fireflymedic]

Yes I would try to get a look at throttle gearing see if leaver is hitting something. If you cant get good angle with eyes maybe use a smart phone or cam corder to film it.

 

[swatski]

Sounds like the gate and/or gate cable is binding, not the throttle cable/APS.
This is not the new E-series, so no gate motors.

--

 

[Bruce]

Not sure why I thought it was an E-Series.

I would remove the reverse gate and lubricate everything as you reinstall. Add some grease to the end of the cable as well.

 

[Julian]

Ah....sorry....was on my phone so didn't see model year.

I'd disconnect the gate from the cable via the spring loaded connection point and check to make sure the gate itself is moving fine first. This thread has photos of that spring loaded fitting so you can see how it works:

https://jetboaters.net/threads/how-to-replace-reverse-gate-cable.28/

If the gate moves fine, that thread also has photos of how to remove the throttle controls (binnacle) and open them up. I'd so that next to be sure there is nothing broken inside. Then you last item is the cable itself....manually move it once you have the throttle controls off....