[Lofinn]

I have a 1973 model 9.8 hp Merc that has performed well for me up until I just broke it our of winter storage to discover that I could not shift it out of forward gear. It starts and runs well but I can not shift it into neutral or reverse gear. I am afraid if I put too much pressure on the shift handle that I will bust it off. I would appreciate any assistance in solving my delimna. Thank You

[hondon]

First off ,change the gear oil.If you open that gearcase and it comes out water ,or worse, rusty water ,that may give you a clue.Next ,drop the gearcase.Two nuts ,one in front at the top of the gearcase by the lower motor mount and one under the plate by the water pickup.Once the case is off and you still are frozen up then you know it is at the shifter and you will have to clean all that up.