Gear lever stuck, need advice on how to remove, Mercury 2.5hp 4-stroke, 2006

Hi Folks,

I hope someone can help please.
After the winter season, the gear lever won't move into forward. Engines starts in neutral fine. I was told it probably has salt corrision and needs releasing.
I've taken the powerhead off to access the gear lever. Disconnected the screw to the shifter-rod - I can manually pull the rod up and down (forward and neutral). The gear lever rod is locked tight.
Using penetrating oils I can now turn the gear lever, BUT it will not come out. Neither by pulling or pushing. In my efforts the handle has come off the metal rod.

Any tips in removing thus gear lever rod (so I can install a new replacement)? Is there something I'm missing?

Thanks in advance.
Best wishes
Mike

Hi,

Just noticed this small square piece of metal. Not in the Seloc manual, or any Youtube videos.
Is this some sort of keeper or does the gear-shift rod need to be aligned with this in some way to remove it?
Any advice welcome.
Regards, Mike

Resolved.....

Took it to a local mechanic.
He could not remove it either.
So he ended up cutting off the outside protruding part with an angle grinder.
Then hammered through the remaining rod.

Engine back together and working.

Best wishes
Mike