No Forward Gear

[jhroyalty]

1998 200hp EFI 3.0L. Recently spun prop and had it replaced, looked like the rubber "bushing" had just worn out over time. A couple of weeks later it began intermittently sticking in gear, had to really pull back hard on shift lever (quicksilver) to get it back in neutral. Last time out ran fine, full throttle run for about 10 miles. When back at ramp to load I put in forward and just hear grinding, like the gears in lower unit were touching, but not syncing up. Would reverse fine, but no forward. Checked lower unit oil and it was fine, no major shavings - just a few fine bits that you get with normal shifting - and no water. Before I replace entire lower unit does anyone know if this is a common problem with shift linkage or cables? If so, any suggestions on diagnosing the problem before I bite the bullet and have to replace the entire lower end?

 

[fastjeff]

Sounds to me like the cable is misadjusted (though going into forward is not usually the case; reverse, yes, but not forward, which is spring-loaded). Try removing the cable completely and see if the problem goes away.

Jeff