Shifts into reverse but won't shift into forward

[peters715]

69 Starcraft w/2.5.

Out of the water the prop locks into gear in both forward and reverse.

In the water it shifts into reverse perfectly.

Shifting into forward nothing happens other than the engine reving. With it in the water, motor running shift cable disconnected, I pushed the lever until I felt the gears just starting to touch.

From this I see that the cable does not have anywhere near enough extension travel to push the lever into forward gear.

The barrel is adjusted as far out as it can go and is still way short of how far it needs to go to engage.

If I had to guess, it seems like to the forward gear has slipped backwards on the prop shaft (if this is even possible) as the dog travel is further for forward than reverse.

Anyway, I am open to suggestions, ideas or theories.

 

[racerone]

Remove gearcase.----put gearcase in neutral.----put control in neutral.---adjust the barrel.-----install gearcase.

 

[Bondo]

Ayuh,..... How long has it been since the lower shift cable has been replaced,..??

 

[peters715]

Lower shift was installed recently, never been in the water.

 

[peters715]

Remove gearcase.----put gearcase in neutral.----put control in neutral.---adjust the barrel.-----install gearcase.

Just checked and the shift rod is engaged with the lever. And with the shift in full forward when I spin the prop by hand it barely ticks.

I did change out the old MercControl for a Commander unit. I adjusted the shifting with the Commander and it was fine in the driveway. But now there isn't anywhere near enough throw on the cable to get it into forward gear.