|  |     YUP, I had the same problem a couple years ago. There is a micro switch
    on the shift mechanism at the carb. The shift cable comes back to the
    engine to a mechanism that controls the throttle and another linkage to
    the outdrive. The micro switch grounds out the voltage to the coil so
    then engine will not be applying torque to the outdrive when you shift.
    In my case, the cable from the top of the engine to the outdrive needed
    to be replaced. The yard did this for $45 so I would assume there is
    not much involved. I seem to remember they did not have to pull the
    outdrive off to change the cable. Maybe someone else knows?
    
    --Harlan
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|  |     
    I just did one of these last month. 45$ is very cheap considering
    the cable price is 30-35 $. and the stern drive must come off.
    Is it possible that you had the cable from the shifter to the engine
    replaced???
    At any rate it is not a bad job if you can get away with replacing
    only the cable and not the housing.
    
    Pull the drive, cut off the shift block, remove connector at engine,
    pull out old cable, grease new cable and shove it in, put on new
    shift block and connector at engine, replace drive and adjust cable.
    
    Sounds easy and it can be, the mercruiser manual is required.
    As can happen the new cable will not go into the old housing and it
    must be replaced. A pain in the #$%#@.
    
    A mechanic should do this job for around 100$ if you can trailer the
    boat to him.
    
    Good luck Pat...
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