Wont go into gear

[Chellenurse]

Just bought pontoon with 90 hp Merc marine Force ELPT. Test drove the boat - now, 2 days later, got to water and won't go into gear. No other obvious engine problem. HELP ???? My first outboard.

 

[gl115]

sorry nobody has yet responded. I am no boat mechanic but I would remove the cowl ( motor cover ) check the shift cables with an assistant. unhook the cables and make sure they move freely, one is shift the other is throttle. if they move freely check the engine for shifting forward, willhave to run on muffs to check reverse and don't go over 1000 rpm's.

 

[oldman570]

Make sure that the cables are not reversed on the linkage at the motor, and are set at the correct spot. If anyone has taken them lose they might have reversed them when they put them back on and that will cause your problem.