1989 Barretta 4.3 OMC goes forward in reverse

[REM 6824]

Went to the lake this weekend had reverse when leaving the dock. At some point between then and returning about 4 hours later boat went forward when trying to reverse.

 

[kenny nunez]

The shift cable outer jacket may not be anchored down either at the control box or the engine end. Did it still have neutral?
Can you see if the cable is moving on the engine end? It is also possible that the lower cable may have broken.

 

[REM 6824]

I will check this when I get home. Thank you for the heads up. It did not have neutral it seemed to be stuck in fwd

 

[REM 6824]

Well I figured out what the problem was. The jam but is missing and the retaining screw worked itself out on the shift cable. I will not go back to that guy. Does anyone know where I can get one of the jam nuts or if I can just use a regular lock nut on it?

 

[REM 6824]

Sorry, this is where the cable goes in to the lower unit at the point where the shift cable attaches to the plastic shift sleeve.