1999 Ocean Pro 225 stuck in neutral

[MSEO323]

Recently acquired this motor with purchase of a boat. Motor has less than 20 hrs and sat for several years. Had to replace the shift cable that broke due to it being stuck in neutral. Will be dropping the lower unit to replace water pump and will also get new gear oil. Any advice on what could cause it to stick. No corrosion anywhere on the motor.

 

[racerone]

Less than 20 hrs ??----Check the gear oil first.----Does shift rod move up and down when shifting ?-----Sounds like a major issue.----Stripped gears or broken shaft.

 

[Chris1956]

See if she will shift by hand. Prop must be turned to allow this. If not suspect the shift rod is corroded to the cover it passes thru. Replacement is pretty simple. When you drop the gearcase to change the waterpump, you will see the cover and shift rod. Shift rod height must be set exactly after repair.

Yesterday I had an issue where my '98 Johnny 150 was stuck in neutral. The issue is that the throttle-only button on the control is stuck in. Not sure why that is.

 

[MSEO323]

Thanks I replaced both throttle and shift cable and installed new controls. I will be dropping the lower unit this morning. We shall see what happens.

 

[MSEO323]

Pulled the drain screws for gearcase and no lube. Also had some residual “junk” on the magnet. See attached photo. Looks like I’ll be rebuilding the lower unit.

 

[racerone]

Post #2 did say to check the gear oil first.----You are sure this motor only has 20 hrs on it ?-----Post about 6 overall pictures of it.