Mariner 75 hp won't go in gear

[mlh1226]

Yesterday we were out on the lake and got stuck in a bunch of weeds. After getting out we put the boat in reverse to back flush. After that we could not get the boat in gear and had to be towed in. Is there a way to test the motor to see if it goes in gear manually without using the shifter to make sure nothing seized up in the motor and it is possibly just the shifter cable?

 

[roscoe]

Disconnect the shift cable from the motor.
Then move the shift handle to see if the cable moves freely.

Then move the shift lever connection on the motor to see if it will move.

 

[mlh1226]

We were able to do that and were able to put the boat in gear so something is wrong with the cable. When we pull the cable after disconnecting he was able to push the cable in and out from the motor end. Could the cable have gotten stretched? We will try taking it back off and move the lever to see if the cable moves when disconnected from the motor. Just happy to find out it's not something ceased up in motor. Thank You

 

[mlh1226]

It seemed as if it was stuck in the neutral position and would not go back in to engage the shifter but the shifter cable would move. Possibly the control box? Tried to upload photo but it would not let me.

 

[roscoe]

open control box and inspect.
perhaps cable is damaged, loose, etc.