Shifting problem mercurials sterndrive

[SDSF]

Cannot get into neutral. I put it in forward and when I pull the lever back to what should be neutral it goes right into reverse gear instead. I thought maybe just an adjustment but local shop is telling me it needs a new lower shift cable (which means lifting the boat out of water YET AGAIN). Note that shop diagnosis was over the phone and they haven't actually looked at it yet. Is it possible something is just out of adjustment? I would hate to spend more than I have to...
thanks in adnvance

 

[Bt Doctur]

is the shift interupter working, ? That not working makes it very difficult to come out of gear in the water

 

[makomark]

2X on Bt Doctur's post!

Also, as there been any recent overheat condition?

 

[SDSF]

Is there a testing method to determine if the shift interrupter is bad?

No overheating, but I am curious why you ask?

 

[Bt Doctur]

If the switch is killing/stalling the engine its doing what its supposed to . Move the lever with the V notch fully up or down, motor should stumble or stall.

 

[makomark]

if it has overheated, the shift cable going to the drive can get distorted = extra friction = shift problems

 

[SDSF]

Thanks guys, replaced the shift interrupter and all is good.