Shifting issue on my 250

[greenheadjerker]

I have a 2004 VZ250TLRC outboard that I just recently got a problem not being able to shift into reverse. no problem in forward. i have narrowed it down to not being the control box by disconnecting the cable at the engine. What i did notice is a bolt had vibarated out of the carb cover and has disappeared. is it possible that that screw went down the shift linkage hole that goes to the lower unit causing the issue? After messing with the shifter it will now go in reverse and wont go in foward now. any idea's? Thanks. Gerald.

[boats.net]

That missing screw is probably lodged under shift linkage in bottom engine cowling.

[greenheadjerker]

Any ideas on how to get it out?

[rodbolt17]

wailing,cursing and gnashing of teeth work well sometimes.
other than that a long thin screwdriver and long needle nose liers and a bucketfull of luck usually works.
but it does happen that any screws that fall hang up under the shift linkage just below the throttle body.