In Reverse, Shifter won't go back as far as it should

[TexasSkeeter]

2001 225 VMax: Has a hotfoot, so shifter should swing 90 degrees forward and backward when in gear. Last time out the shifter lever suddenly decided to only swing back 15 or 20 degrees in reverse(discovered at end of day at the ramp). However, The engine does go in reverse. And forward is fine, with shifter still swinging 90 degrees when engaged.

I did recently have lower seals replaced and prop shaft straightened, but it worked fine in the 4 or 5 outings since, that is until the last time.

Any ideas why the sudden change in my shifters attitude? Should I go about my business and just hope it straightens up?

[99yam40]

I would be looking for what is binding up

[TexasSkeeter]

Ummmmmmm, yes. If I put on hose and start, I'm thinking I can detach shifter cables and try shifting by hand to see if it works then. If so, cables or shifter bad. If not, may be LU issue. Any comments?

[rodbolt17]

look very carefully at the shift linkage just below the throttle body.
look for any loose screws,bolts or anything else that can jam the link.

[TexasSkeeter]

Un-fricking-believable!!!! Once again, Sir Rodbolt, "the engine whisperer", has homed in on the problem!

I found a loose panhead screw buried in grease, binding up the shift linkage under the throttle body, right where he said to look. It was from the electronics cover on the back of the block. Voila! Fixed! Thank you Rodbolt. I will be toasting you with a cold one this evening.

[rodbolt17]

I may have seen it once before

I do enjoy a decent liquor over ice.