Backlash

[Justjoe]

I have a 1977 35hp evinrude I just bought. When it's in gear(forward or reverse)there is about 1/4 turn of backlash is this normal or do I have a problem? What gear lube should be used in this outboard and what should the compression be. It's checking 135 on both cylinders. I want to thank you in advance this forum is priceless

[boats.net]

The compression is good, Evinrude standard marine lower unit gearlube is good, any lower unit gear lube would be ok for your model. The back lash is normal.