[cpgdude]

This is a 20HP Mercury, Electric Start, Long Shaft Outboard, manufactured in 1980, S/N: 5607390After shifting the motor into reverse, it doesn't want to shift easily back to neutral. When it does disengage, it doesn't want to shift into forward without some effort. I recently changed the gear lube in the lower unit. I bought this motor a while back and have only used it a couple of times, so I don't have much history with it. This problem seems intermittent - other times it seems to work OK. Any suggestions or information would be greatly appreciated! Thanks in advance!

[Chris Graham]

Hi RayI Have had this problem with my 50hp Merc and found it to be the holding catches were not engaging. This stops the motor from engaing into gear while it is tilted and alos lifting while it is in gear. Have a look at this when it is locked down. Worth a look.

[DHPMARINE]

I don't think this is your answer,but most motors are hard to shift unless running,or at least turning the propshaft.DHP

[Motor Boater Bill]

Have you lubricated the linkages? Also, is it tiller or remote? If remote, could be all in the cables and control.

[andrewkafp]

RayIf your motor is manual tilt (No hydraulic t/t), there are 2 hooks that lock onto a bar at the transom, when in reverse and neutral. If these are not kept clean and lubricated, they jam on the bar and when you disegage reverse, they remain locked, thus stuck in reverse. If this is the case,move the gear stick to neutral and lightly tap the hooks with a hammer and just oil them and run some penetrating oil down the shift shaft to free up the reverse locking cam.

[fltbtmred]

i swear it sounds like you have my motor that is exactly what mine does .it is hard to get into nuetral and reverse.my motor is a 20hp electric start and i also believe it is a long shaft motor