ba_50 asked this question on 5/24/2000:

I have a 1979 5hp Mariner outboard. It shifts smoothly into forward gear but grinds and goes in hard for reverse (but works). You can feel it resisting even when the motor isn't running. How can I fix it? Bob. Thanks.

ETRASHER gave this response on 5/28/2000:

BOB,FORWARD GEAR IS ACTUALLY SPRING LOADED INTO FORWARD GEAR AND YOU WILL FEEL RESISTANCE GOING INTO REVERSE.THE GRINDING GOING INTO REVERSE IS THE CLUTCH-DOG AGAINST REVERSE GEAR. WHEN YOU SHIFT INTO REVERSE,MAKE SURE THAT YOU DO IT QUICKLY AND THIS WILL SHORTEN THE AMOUNT OF GRINDING YOU HEAR.ALSO MAKE SURE THAT YOUR IDLE R.P.M. IS WITHIN SPECS.THIS CAN MAKE QUITE A DIFFERENCE.