first thing I would check is to move the throttle/shift lever from full reverse to full forward and watch the shift cable under the engine cowl to make sure it moves in both directions. I have seen em break inside the housing. Ive seen em break at the shift-lever end. Neither is readily visible. If it is moving normally, and you can see it going in both directions (you can try to fight the cable with your hand to be sure it will pull, as it will almost always push just fine, just hold it at the engine and have someone work the shift lever). If it pulls and pushes just fine, then you need someone to pull the lower unit as most likely something has happened inside there. You can also look near the bottom of the steering bracket and you can see the shift-shaft. Is it turning both ways as you shift? Even more convincing of lower unit problems if you can see the shift-shaft turning normally… You can also drain the fluid to see if it looks normal, if so chances are this is not a major issue. If it comes out looking milky with metal particles everywhere, it is more serious…2008 Pantera Classic2014 Mercury Pro XS 200
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