1999 Saltwater Series II 175 hp

Hey y'all,
I've got a '99 Yamaha SSII 175hp and she won't go into gear. Cranked right up at the ramp, but just wouldn't engage. Popped the cover and tried again. The actuator was moving back and forth with the throttle/shifter, but would not engage the prop. Popped her in neutral and the actuator did not engage and she throttled up and back as she should have. I'm certainly no marine mechanic, but if anyone else has had a similar issue I would sure appreciate any input. Post up here or send me an email at [email protected]. Thanks alot
Dan Tobias

Either your clutch dog is badly gone or it sounds as if someone had the drive off and did not make sure the gear selection matched with the control on the upper part of the engine. Take off the cable from the shift control on the engine. At idle speed manually shift the lever on the engine to see if it goes into a gear or not. Or your driveshaft may be sheared off. Does it pump water?