Mercruiser 1 drive-unit cannot engage gear

[jackman]

This is coupled to a Mercruiser 228(V8 5ltr engine). Boat has been out of the water since last June for various reasons but I've regularly put it in and out of gear whilst doing maintainence jobs with out any problems. Last week I found it was stuck in neutral. I disconnected both shift cables from the shift lever and found that they were working normally. I then tried the shift lever believing that pushing this would engage gear but it just moved freely to and fro until it came up against another part. Any info would be much appreciated.

 

[guyjg]

Worn out lower cable. Will it shift w/the engine running?

 

[jackman]

Thanks for the advice. Will let you know outcome. Sorry about delay in replying. I've been away last few days and it will probably be July before I have time to work on the boat again.