" James.... Your engines shift
" James.... Your engines shifting system is called a "Hydro Electric Shift". One of the most complex systems ever devised. It consists of a electric switch (12v) that applies voltage to one of two, or both solenoids in the lower unit which when actuated results in changes to an oil pump in the forward section of the lower unit, which varies pressure to a spring loaded clutch dog (whew!). When voltage is applied to one solenoid, the lower unit goes to neutral. Voltage to both solenoids results in reverse. No voltage allows the spring loaded clutch dog to slam into forward gear, which of course results in the unit being in forward gear. The idea of this is that if you lose electrical power, or for some reason are unable to apply voltage to those solenoids, you will still have forward gear and will be able to move the rig. Now.... your problem is that you are either not getting voltage to those solenoids as required, or you have lost the lower unit oil somehow. Note...that unit must have what is called "Premium BLend" oil, available at any OMC dealer. DO NOT under any circumstances use "Hi Vis" as that is too thick for the oil pump in that lower unit... and it will malfunction. I've been told that "Premium Blen" is also available at various stores such as K-Mart & Wal*Mart but I don't know that for a fact. Hope this info helps you somewhat. "