The part number for this control is Evinrude/Johnson #0176917. It is long since obsolete. The years listed for this are 1999-2007, though I found a breakdown drawing of the same animal dated 1993.
After getting it removed from the boat and putting it in a vise, I found that if I pushed and held the neutral detent ball bearing in slightly, it shifted with ease. I disassembled it and found that the "driveshaft and plate" part #0174921 (item #8 in breakdown drawing in following reply post) had the plate broken loose from the driveshaft. I looked at welding it back together due to the fact that it is obsolete and unavailable but realized that the slot in the neutral position was worn out. In other words, it still shifted fine when I pushed and held the ball bearing in slightly. I tried reducing the tension on the bearing but it still would not shift. I basically removed the spring and ball bearing, cleaned, greased and reassembled it. It works like a charm. Of course, without the ball bearing, the shifter will not lock in full speed forward or full speed reverse. (I have never wanted to go full speed in reverse anyway) lol. While cruising the boat at 1/2 - 3/4 throttle, the throttle has always stayed put anyway. When the lever is in neutral, the finger tip handle button keeps it locked into place so I don't have to worry about someone bumping the handle and knocking it into gear. The neutral safety start feature is unaffected so it will not start in gear.
I hope this information can help some of you guys.
Many thanks for all of your help.
I will be back soon withmy next delema...lol
