That stainless linkage lever where the shift interupt switch mounts too . . . is very very loose. (like a abu garcia 5500 handle that's caught 5000 fluke). Lower Unit will engage forward and reverse when shifted manually up and down, so I know the lower is good. But that linkage piece is so loose that you can have forward and nuetral . .. or reverse and neutral (and sometimes only neutral) when shifted from the control cables end of the linkage.

MJ - You're gonna need a new motor :) Start saving $50 a fluke trip. You've got two great powerheads, but some shiat saltwater mids and lowers. If you can locate a freshwater mid/lower (or a pair of them) you're going to be all set for the next 10 years. I call you tomorrow morning. I wonder if those powerheads will bolt up to a 200/225 Ficht mid and lower.

You're not missing any fishin ability this week anyway
 

You in such a good mood this morning i see, now :shut: you jinx!! LOL

if the east coast is like the gulf coast, the bite will be great about 3 days after the storm.

Yeah, the wind and waves have finally died down to almost nothing after about 4 weeks.
MJ, let me know if I can further brighten your day,
LOVE YA, MEAN IT!!!

Well . . . the shift problem is fixed!! Now onto the the next problem . . . the motor won't go above 2500rpm in gear (with a load). I think it's probably the stator, but I'm no OMC guru. I believe the motor is an 86 or 87 and slow mode didn't happen till 1988/89??? any suggestions. There is decent spark on all 6 clylinders when cranking, and compression is even in all 6. We pulled plug wires on one side and the motor will start . . . and then we did the same on the other side and the motor started, so I don't think it's a power pack. Linkage is advancing through the full range of motion. I'm 100% sure it's electrical, but I'm not sure what else to try beside breaking out a multi-meter and going through each component.