Shift Problem with Tohatsu M18A 350

[patmidd]

I have an early 80's Tohatsu M18A 350 that I recently picked up that has decided not to shift into gear.

I was out on a sea trial (we do this for a reason) and everything was fine and the motor ran strong. I slowed down to putter around, the motor died at low RPM's, and then refused to shift upon restarting.

The motor has decided not to shift into gear. It's a new motor to me, so I do not know if there were problems in advance. The motor is still running fine otherwise. I suspect the linkage in the lower unit is the issue as everything I can see when the cowling is off looks fine.

Does anyone have any advice or expertise on solving this problem?

 

[racerone]

Step #1 is to drain gear oil.

 

[Sea Rider]

When at neutral with motor ON, doesn't want to shift forward or reverse ?

Happy Boating​

 

[pvanv]

Is the shifter stuck, or does it operate and just not go into gear? is Reverse also out?

 

[patmidd]

Is the shifter stuck, or does it operate and just not go into gear? is Reverse also out?

It refuses to go into gear. The twist is that it now goes into gear when cold. I'm planning to drain the oil as soon as I have a moment to see if there is any metal in it.