2002 25Hp Merc won't go into reverse

[ducksndogs]

I have an 02' Merc 25 which I recently converted from remote to tiller. Got it out on the water and runs great for a while but then stops going into reverse. It won't go into reverse at all, there is no grinding, it goes into neutral and forward just fine.

I can take the linkage apart and make a slight adjustment and it will work just fine for a while. I've taken it to the dealership because I was convinced I had not adjusted something properly (even though I read the repair manual over and over and over again). They told me the shift linkage was adjust properly but they were concerned with how stiff the throttle was on the motor. They told me they didn't know where to start troubleshooting.... could be lubrication points, could be something more severe...

Anyone experience this?

[Da-Legend]

2002 25 hp el Merc wont go into reverse

I am also having this issue with my motor. I have taken the lower unit off several times. I have also taken the gears out of the bottom end. Everything looks to be in order. Gear teeth are not rounded on the dogs. I put it back together and start it up, it shifts fine. I take it to the lake, it shifts once or twice, then locks up again. What I do notice when I take it apart and push down on the shifter rod, its a little stiff. If you force it when the linkage is hooked up, the plastic piece that pops on connecting from shifter to throttle gets bent and loose. I have had to replace several of them. This is becoming quite frustrating.
Any ideas what I should be looking for?