Yamaha 6G1 (8hp) shifter jams intermittently

[kirby]

My unit - 6G1 (8HP) 2-stroke, electric start long shaft.

The shifter will jam in neutral position when shifting between FWD and REV. Shifting back to Gear you just came out of resolves it most of time, meaning I can then shift to other goear. However, sometimes it takes more than 2-3 tries, not good in tight quarters. Any suggestions on causes before I do a tear down?

[boats.net]

Inspect the shift linkage for excessive wear or binding, if ok then the problem is probably in lower unit which means a tear down.

[kirby]

Linkage seems ok.

Would you recommend changing whole lower unit or rebuilding it? Some evidence of water intrusion by examining the gear oil. Newunit is $461w. Gears, gaskets and clutch dog etc getting close to $200.

Is change of whole unit straight forward - my manual is down at the boat - i left my shop manual at the boat.

[boats.net]

Lower unit exchange is easy, as far as rebuild it depends on parts cost and special tools may need to rebuild it.