I had this same problem on my 25 merc! I sent it to a very good offshore Race boat shop for them to do a waterpump, tune-up, etc... Well, when I got it back I had no reverse. THey played with the linkage some, but I still don't have the easy in, easy out like I used to. It would work if I really turned hard on the tiller, but I was scared I was going to break something. Never have gotten quite right. I have just delt with it! :-/