outboard comes out of gear

[corvettealbert68]

I was given a boat recently with a mercury 2.5l 200hp outboard. To make the story
short it seems to come out of gear after running for awile hour or so. I ruled out cavitation and problem with the prop. the lever that goes to the lower unit seems to have to much play a little over a quarter inch (engine side). is this normal? when the shift cable is connected its about 1/4 inch short in travel. Please help.
Thanks

 

[Chris1956]

Re: outboard comes out of gear

The cable should hold the shift slider solidly. Where is the play?