1978 70hp Jahnson Seahorse

[rfisher1963]

I have a 1978 Johnson Seahorse with 70 hp. My problem is, It will not go into gear, forward or reverse. the throttle will go to the reverse position but will not engage. Prop is always free and make a ticking sound when spun. It motor work perfect ly when i pulled the boat out of the water. While parked I think one of my kids was playing with the throttle and put it in gear out of the water. Any help would be appreciated.

[boats.net]

Disconnect shift cable from motor and see if can shift into gear by hand.