50 hp stuck in gear.

[SuperPanga]

My 89 -50 hp merc is stuck in gear. Worked fine when put away last year. I checked the cables and they move fine. What can I try next, short of tearing the lower unit apart?

[Boat Doc']

Try removing the shift cable from the shift linkage and move the linkage by hand, if it moves there is a problem in the control, if not then there is a problem in the gearcase that will probably require disassembly. If you don't have power trim hold the reverse lock hooks down while shifting, they may be sticking or stuck.