Merc box stuck in gear

[dolphinatic]

I got in from Lake Jackson this evening and noticed my control box is stuck in gear. I shifted back into reverse and then tried to go back up into neutral. The shifter locks right before neutral and will not go any further. It will go back all the way to reverse. I've never had a problem with it and just had the cables replaced last year. At this point, I can't even start it because it will not go back to neutral. Any ideas or am I heading back to Porters? Thanks......

By the way, the boat is a 1975 Glastron V-156 Aqualift with the Merc 850 (85 hp).

[robbankston]

Just open up the control box and have a look see. It's just a couple of screws. If the boat is a 75 does that mean the engine is a 75 model?

[dolphinatic]

Just open up the control box and have a look see. It's just a couple of screws. If the boat is a 75 does that mean the engine is a 75 model?

Yep.

[robbankston]

Just open up the control box and have a look see. It's just a couple of screws. If the boat is a 75 does that mean the engine is a 75 model?

Yep.

Just a few screws and it's all mechanical so shouldn't be too big a deal. I love older technology.....

[Chalk]

Did you try to shift it at the engine?

[dolphinatic]

Not yet. I'm gonna play with it later today.

[Jumptrout51]

Yep What TC said.
Disconnect the shift cable at the motor. Then shift the lever to the foot.
If that is OK the binding is in the shift box.

[Chalk]

Yep What TC said.
Disconnect the shift cable at the motor. Then shift the lever to the foot.
If that is OK the binding is in the shift box.

I ain't TC

[Jumptrout51]

You got his face.

[Chalk]

You got his face.

...you have more wrinkles than me

[dolphinatic]

Well, I checked both shift cables at the motor and they are fine. Motor shifts fine without the cables. Opened up the control box and something inside is binding up between the upper gear and the lower gear where the throttle cable connects. It hasn't shifted very smooth since I had the cables replaced, but worked well enough to use. So I might just take it back to Mr. Porter and have him work his magic

[Jumptrout51]

[robbankston]

Glad to hear it doesn't sound too major. Good luck!