Grinding has stopped and now it wont kick into gear at all?

Question

There is a thumping noise when you throw the shifter forward or back but it wont engage.The cables seem to be working fine to the engine but no usual sound of engagement. The prop is turning freely as far as I know but I cant see anything when the motor is running because of the normal boil out the back of the boat. this is a 302 with a merc leg.

Answer 1

the shift cable sounds like it needs replacement

Answer 2

I'd say it's time to find a good mechanic.

None of us yahoo's can fix it on line

Answer 3

I'm willing to bet you damaged either the teeth on the prop shaft, the clutch dog, one or all of the lower unit drive gears.

Even if it was the lower shift cable causing this problem.  Excessive attempts to put a lower unit into gear when it refuses to do so will only damage and destroy the components that operate in the lower unit.

It is now time to stop messing with your boat's shifting and get it checked out by a Merc tech immediately.  Expect to probably pay much more money now since you didn't act early and get it checked out.