motor slips into gear--1972 Merc 200

[Home Cookin']

when running on muffs, the boat slips into forward. Even starts in gear. the shifter is very soft at the neutral notch. I don't see anything to adjust on the clip under the shifter.
Although I bought the motor used it apparently has not had much use so I don't think it's worn out. Any way to tighten the clip or get it to lock in more firmly? Other tricks?

1972 merc thunderbolt 200 (20 hp). Pull start; remote shifter.
PS I saw someone posted this question a few years ago and no one answered. Yikes!

 

[Chinewalker]

Re: motor slips into gear--1972 Merc 200

I had one that was touchy like that. I took the clip off the shift handle shaft detent and bent it a little to give it more pressure in the detents. Grease the detents a little and reassemble...