Grinding into gear ?

[ChadG]

Just bought 2001 200 hp efi. Serial# OT306523. It grinds going into forward until 2000 rpm ish and then slams into gear. It goes into reverse no problem, no grinding. Any advise where to start looking for the issue?

[EuropeanAM]

Shift cable and shift cable adjustment- but it's likely too late. Each little sound is metal being sheered away from the clutch dog and forward gear because it isn't fully engaged.

Drain and check the gear lube for metallic fragments, sheen or shards.

If there's damage to the clutch dog and gear, it's much better to repair it now than it is to keep grinding away.

[ChadG]

Thank you, much appreciated