Should i stop at neutral when shifting from forward to reverse / reverse to forward with me 25hp mercury 1988 outboard

SOURCE: it will not go into reverse

You did not tell us if you have a small outboard or if you have remote shift controls. If you do have remote shift controls you can try reversing the cable ends if it is a 2 cable system or disconnect the cable at the engine. By disconnecting the cable at the engine you isolate the problem to the motor. Then you can grab the shift lever manually at the motor and see if it will now go into reverse. Some remote levers lock out reverse if the choke is engaged or if you are new to this boat there may be a button to push on the throttle to allow reverse to engage.

SOURCE: 1999 Mercury Mariner 9.9hp outboard motor

should be on the side with a lever but could you give me more info please

SOURCE: 35hp Johnson evinrude outboard not running at full potential

Hi, did you buy your engine used? Sounds like your gonna have to get the carb or carbs cleaned. Its possible you could have a stopped up fuel filter, or not enough spark but i am guessing its gonna be the carbs. They got some gunk in em i bet. Probably old fuel turned to gunk from setting up. I had the same problem on my 40 horse.

Testimonial: "Hi, thank you very much for your help, I will strip the carb down and have a look. Once again, many thanks, I am very greatful"

SOURCE: 3.5 mercury outboard stalls when put into forward

hi take the prop off see if there is anything /string/ between the hub and the housing check oil lvel in g/box /is gear box nice and free if all is ok try it in ware with just a small amount of choke
drain /empty fuel out replace with fresh /correct oil mix
check /change fuel filter/air filter
warm engine up check idle mixture ajustment/tick over speed
increase idle speed slightly/7/800 rpm
hope this helps merlin v 12

SOURCE: 1991 Caprice No reverse. Moves in neutral. All forward gears OK.

This is Ron out of Vero Beach Florida. I have been doing trannys for years. The problem you described is caused (more than likely) by a seized clutch pack. Depending on the trans, and your car should be RWD with a 700r4 tranny, there are several sets of clutch packs and at least one band. Automatic transmissions rely on fluid pressure to "engage" the correct set of clutch discs, at the right time , to engage and change gears. I have seen in the past, where a customer parks his car for the evening and the next morning, no move. What happened?? More than likely, a clutch pack was on it\'s way out but cause the car was hot the plates were free, but after cooling, they can weld themselves together and actually "lock-up". In the morning you know the end result. Your tip on "moves in Nuetral" is the give away. Ron