shift cable stuck

HI, My '89 Sea Ray has been in storage, outdoors and covered, for three years. I'm about to do a major engine overhaul. Current problem is with stern drive removal. I know I'm supposed to shift lever to "forward" first. The cable seems to be stuck. Will travel no more than 1/8". I separated it from the linkage and have tried pushing/pulling cable by hand. No good. Had a friend spin prop. No good. Stern drive comes loose but only about 3/4 ". Can the rear end of cable be accessed in any other way? Thoughts anyone? Thank you.

John Craig said:

HI, My '89 Sea Ray has been in storage, outdoors and covered, for three years. I'm about to do a major engine overhaul. Current problem is with stern drive removal. I know I'm supposed to shift lever to "forward" first. The cable seems to be stuck. Will travel no more than 1/8". I separated it from the linkage and have tried pushing/pulling cable by hand. No good. Had a friend spin prop. No good. Stern drive comes loose but only about 3/4 ". Can the rear end of cable be accessed in any other way? Thoughts anyone? Thank you.

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Ayuh,.... Drop the lower unit 1st, then the upper,...
Or,...
Trim it up, cut the cable, 'n move the shift foot/ shoe to straight fore, 'n aft,...