Gear shifter locked in forward gear

Question edited for clarity 'year make hp'.
Question moved from Hewlett Packard.

Free copies

https://www.downloadboatmanuals.com/motors/evinrude/

Hard Copy Book

https://www.ebay.com/itm/122820118189

https://www.google.com/search?q=service+manual+for+a+1998+evinrude+5+hp

..

Verles Sport Center LLC. Shelton Washington Has a bone yard.

Rob, AQABVA71K899 does not seem to come up as a valid # for referencing engine. Check the attached links,instruction and guides, Good luck
"I hope this helped you out, if so let me know by pressing the helpful button. Check out some of my other posts if you need more tips and info."
Outboard Engine Serial Number Year Match up
Evinrude Outboard Motor Model Numbers
EVINRUDE OUTBOARD MOTOR MODEL YEAR LOOKUP GUIDE 1913 1979 MASTERTECH MARINE

Outboard won't go into reverse ?? - General Discussion Forum ' In ...

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Aug 9, 2006 - 8 posts - ‎7 authors
There's 2 cables that go into my outboard. ... It would have forward just fine but it would not shift into reverse. Assuming it's a wheel boat does the throttle handle go intoreverse but reverse doesnt work or does it not even ... Here are instructions to recover your old idofishing.com or idohunting.com account:.

Boat won't go in reverse - Lake-Link.com

www.lake-link.com/forums/boats-motors/.../Boat-wont-go-in-reverse

Sep 23, 2013 - 4 posts - ‎3 authors
Fishing Boards - Boats & Motors: Boat won't go in reverse. ... Forward seems to be working OK, but reverse just won't engage. ... I'm not sure if this is something at the throttle control end or something wrong at the motor. Any thoughts ... Looks like there'sa piece missing that's supposed to hold that in place.

Help! Will go in Reverse but not Forward gear! - The Hull Truth ...

www.thehulltruth.com/boating.../526873-help-will-go-reverse-but-not-f...

Jul 30, 2013 - 8 posts - ‎5 authors
Whether you're researching a new boat, or are a seasoned Captain, ... and it was notengaging fully into forward gear, but into reverse just fine. ... I'm a little dumbfounded as to why it will lock the prop when it's not running, but won't go into forward gear when it is ... While your there, change out the bellows. Mercury 125 won't go into reverse - The Hull Truth ...
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Evinrude used a shift mechanism located in the lower unit that is actuated by a rod up to the linkage in the motor housing. It could be stuck anywhere along the way or the gear that shifts on the shaft could be immobile due to rust and corrosion.

You may want to find a blowup of your exact model via a Google search. Then starting from the top look for your problem. be sure to mark the position of anything adjustable so you can at least get it back to the original position when you reassemble it.
Find 1985 40hp Johnson Evinrude Outboard Motor Parts by Model Number

below the carbs is the shift rod and take the small pin out , then remove all bolts that hold the gear case to the leg then drop the unit and place in a vice to hold by the skeg fin below the prop ! normally its the edges of the gears and the central slide clutch that wear, remove and have re cut at machine shop ! saves buyin new gear set !! check all linkages ok for wear FIRST though !!

sound like the shift fork, or fwd gear is damaged in the lower unit.....special tools are required for this repair .....if you got them cool, if not seek a shop for further assistance.......hope this helped...GL

i have fought with mine in the past also.
put lower unit and the control in neutral
remove all spark plugs and have a helper turn the fly wheel clockwise while you install the lower unit i had to use channel locks to put the lower unit to neutral
good luck i hope this helps