Gear lever stuck on Mercury 3.3hp outboard. Need help.

[drabina]

I just got an used 1999 Mercury 3.3hp outboard motor. The engine works fine but I cannot switch it from neutral to gear. The plastic lever is stuck and won't budge. I have read that it is a common problem with those outboards. Unfortunately, the penetrating oil didn't help much and trying to push the handle out with a screwdriver from the access port was also unsuccessful. Looks like the handle is seized pretty good. Any ideas how to free it up so I can lube, put new o-rings and get it working again?

 

[drabina]

Update: I was able to pull the gear handle using locking pliers and tapping them gently with a hammer (thanks to one of the youtube videos). Cleaned the lever, housing, lubed orings, put everything back together and all is good. Motor now shifts fine between neutral and forward.

 

[fastjeff]

Good for you!

Jeff