Yamaha 40HP 98-model stuck in reverse

[ShapeShifter]

Hello all.

The title might be a bit misleading but bare with me.
When I start the engine in neutral the propeller goes in reverse.
When trying to shift into forward the propeller is still in reverse.
And yes, shifting to reverse.....and it's still in reverse.

The engine power is ok but but something makes the engine only go in reverse.

I have a remote control gear shift and throttle.

My engine is on my boat on an island so anything I can do myself to fix the problem is best. If not I have to go in reverse into town and that might take a few weeks :-)

Thanks for all your help.

Johnny

[99yam40]

Have you looked to see what is moving and what is not?

[ShapeShifter]

Oh yes...

I have looked and looked :-)
Everything is moving, apparently as it should inside the engine.
I have never payed much attention to the movements when it ran fine but the movements are the same in forward and reverse.
I though it might be something electrical that triggered the propeller as the lever went from neutral to reverse/forward.
There are no loose cables from the throttle in to the engine.
I have a small black box in conjunction with the gearshift in the engine. The problem is that this box is sealed. Could this be a part of the gearshift and the mystery box that causes the problems ?

[99yam40]

Look at the shift shaft going down to the lower unit and see if it is moving when shifting gears.