1988 - 25 hp Evinrude will not go in gear

[mgreggs]

Stranded on the Potomac River the other day. After boating to favorite fishing hole (and all but one fish decided to go elsewhere), my buddy and I decided to try another spot. I started the motor and put it in forward gear, only to have motor rev up...but no motion. I tried reverse and likewise, same reaction. With limited knowledge, all I could think of was a shear pin had failed, with no way to check in deep water. After being towed in and removing the engine cover, I checked the movement of the forward/reverse lever and all the parts outside the engine block seemed to move as one would expect. I pulled the propeller off, but it connects to the shaft using groves, so I couldn't find a shear pin.
Any suggestions on what might be the cause of this problem?

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[moved to equipment forum.]

[This message has been edited by Rick (edited 07-08-2004).]