Locked in gear

Question
Dear Ron...

I have a older Johnson 9.9 and yesterday the shift mechanism froze up on me. I can't get it out of neutral. Also, while in neutral the prop won't spin. All this happened after I got stuck in some mud and tried to back out.

Thank you,

Jim Comer
Clearfield, Pennsylvania

Answer
Hi Jim

Thank you for selecting the undersigned to respond to your question.

I'm not a mechanic but, it sounds like your efforts to get out of the mud may have bent/damaged the fwd/rev linkage, or a gear has jamned or is fractured. Best you take to a qualified marine mechanic for an accurate diagnosis and repair.

Smooth Sailing
Ron Blanchet