Shifting problem on a 4 stroke 40 HP Yamaha 2004

[Robert L]

I just got a Yamaha outboard that had a broken throttle cable. The motor hasn't been used in at least 6 years. It is a 2004. I checked the water pump and found it needed a new one. Here is my question The shift rod goes into neutral position fine and I think it's reverse position all by hand but to shift it to forward it is so hard and at times it will not go in. when it is in forward position it feels like it is stuck. Could it be a bent shift rod? What other things would cause this.

 

[Robert L]

Okay it actually is the reverse that very hard to go into

 

[99yam40]

are you shifting this motor while it is running or stopped?

if shifted while stopped , if the shift dogs are not lined up to the gears properly you can bend/twist shafts and pins

 

[robert graham]

Really not recommended to shift outboard gears with motor turned off....of course we've all done it on occasion but I don't do it any more....

 

[Robert L]

Thank you for your replies. This motor was setting for 6 years. The clutch dog had a problem moving in the direction of reverse. I took shaft out and cleaned it. Now it is moving freely. Just need to put it back together. Thanks.