Lost reverse yesterday..... Linkage HELP!

I have a 1991 200hp Yamaha. I was out yesterday and the reverse gear would not engage, it would only make a grinding sound. I only had forward, when I put it in neutral it also made a grinding sound but would some times engage.
Is there an easy way to adjust my shifting linkage.

[jb123]

unhook cable at motor, run on hose and engage in F-N-R...make sure lower unit is ok.

you may still have a steel shift shaftthat is rusty, could be a mis adjusted cable, could be a broken cable.

thank you, I will check those.....

I brought it to the mechanic and he said my shift shaft was rusted in half.....
He said the new ones are stainless steel. He said about 4 hours labor, Does that sound about right? I am at their mercy

[jb123]

if it was in salt it can be a very tough job. if youre versed in turning wrenches you can do it but youll need patience and most likely torches to pull block.

My mechanic said the head came off real easy and had fairly new bolts on it..... The head might have been serviced right before I bought the boat....
I should have my boat back by Friday. What is the normal time for this type of job?

Got Bill today........ $860.00