Merc won't shift(anuthr)

[Underdog88]

Been reading... just registered. Great site!<br />83 ChrisCraft Scorpion 260 Merc 350Chevy seems to have Alpha1 OD (I thought 84 was first yr)<br /><br />While cruising, popped outa gear. Won't engage fwd or rev. Had to be towed in.<br /><br />I've read the numerous shifting posts and some great info on mercstuff.com as well. I've tried the adjustments as suggested here.<br /><br />It will engage when not running, but when running prop won't spin. Sometimes makes a whirling sound but no spin. <br /><br />The castle nut wear thing applies to this motor but shouldn't I be able to disconnect the lower shift cable and manually get a gear engaged when running? even if it's bad? The cable seems fine.<br /><br />Just got the boat and it's not so fun now...<br /><br />Thanks in advance!