There is a good chance that its nothing more then a few O rings in the lower unit. Where the shift rod enters the lower unit there is a plate which holds two O rings which seal around the shift rod. The plate can become corroded around the o rings pinching them tight around the shift rod. For some reason they cause a problem when shifting into reverse and not foward. Thry shifting the motor back and forth and if it feels stiff there is a very good chance its the o rings. This is after you have eliminated the cable as the problem. Remove the lower unit and try shifting the unit by hand and you will probaly find its tough to do. Now remove the bolts on the plate that holds the o rings and slide it up the shift rod 3 or so inches. Now try shifting by hand and if you can its probably the o rings which are pinched against the shift rod. All you need to do is remove the plate and the o rings. Clean out the area where the o rings set (use a peice of sand paper or whire brush). Paint that area and re install o rings and plat. Try shifting by hand and it should move freely. I shift by hand by taking a small screw driver and sliding it through the hole in the top of the shift rod for grip.
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