2006 200HP Yamaha Vmax Will NOT Shift Into FWD

[bassf1sh]

I went to the lake today and after getting the boat off the trailer and started the motor was unable to shift into FWD or Reverse. I had the boat out about 2 weeks ago with no issues. After a few minutes it allowed me to shift into reverse smoothly with no trouble but still unable to get it to move into FWD. I brought the boat home and have read tons of post trying to find a solution or what else to check? I have seen some comments about manually shifting the motor into gear to check for a linkage malfunction but although I can see the lever down in the motor am unsure what I need to disconnect? I also checked my lower gear fluid and did notice that it was milkier than normal ( last changed 2 months ago).

Any ideas or suggestion would be greatly appreciated!

[SEAHORSE]

A Yamaha question in the Evinrude/Johnson forum ??? Did someone's GPS get out of calibration?

by the way, the gear oil milkier than normal ??? No matter what make outboard, it should never be milky looking. Get that gearcase resealed where needed.

[bassf1sh]

yep..too much stress about the motor! I reposted in the yamaha forum..sorry a little new at this. And yes...does appear milkier than normal unfortunately.

[ChampioNman]

You need to disconnect the shift cable at the motor. The shift linkage at the motor is on the starboard side belly pan and is held on by a hair pin clip. Remove the clip and lift the cable off the pin. Move the throttle control to forward and reverse to verify proper movement. Remove the kill switch, as you look down to where you removed the shift cable, move the shift post foward while spinning the prop with your foot and then pulling backwards to neutral and then further back to forward. All movement should be free and easy to move. Move the shift linkage back to center for neutral and re-instll the cable. If any resistance occurs seek a dealers assitance.

[bassf1sh]

Appreciate the information. I saw the hair pin clip earlier your talking about. will let you know the result.

[bassf1sh]

ChampioNman,

I disconnected the pin and cable but no luck getting the shift post to move into the forward position. Not good huh? Worst case scenario?

[ChampioNman]

Worse case scenario would be a new lower unit. Looks like shop time or at least pulling off the lower and try shifting it at the foot.

[bassf1sh]

I dropped the lower end last year when I changed out the impeller. Wondering if I didn't get it sealed right putting it back on. If I drop it again what would look for to try to to shift it at the foot?

THanks again for your help!

[bassf1sh]

Final Update,

Found screw lodged in manual shift lever in the motor. Could not see it from the side i've been looking from all week! Removed and back in business. Appreciate everyones input and suggestions! Still concerned with milky lower gear oil but believe it was due to a loose drain screw. draining and refilling now and will check again after placing the boat back into the water.