Question for the Gurus here

[Cam]

Lately when I shift into gear (forward or reverse), I am getting grinding, as it takes the throttle arm almost full throttle to engage. I have noticed though, that if I shut off the engine and work the throttle back and forth from forward to reverse a few times, this symptom goes away. The motor is a Johnson 150 Oceanrunner, 1996 model. Is this the shifting cable or something in the gear case? Either way, how do I fix this problem? Thanks in advance.

[THEFERMANATOR]

Take the shift cable loose from the engine, and try and move it by hand and see if there is any binding in the linkage at the engine. It is pretty common for the shift linkage to get tight where it atatches to the block. Theres a grease zerk for it that most people don't know is there, so it tends to not get greased, and this in turn over time allows the grease to harden and makes the linkage sticky. If not that then your shift cable is probably getting worn internally.

[Cam]

Thanks Ferm!!!!!