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I just purchased a 2007 150 Montauk with a 60 Mercury 4 -stroke and having much trouble shifting. Bringing the shifter back into neutral from forward is very hard and when pulling hard it will then go but all the way into reverse. This is our first outboard (have twim inboards in a 28') and not sure if this is normal (hope not) or a shifting adjustment issue or a engine linkage/gear issue. Any help would be greatly appreicated. Thanks

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I'd start by removing the engine cover and disconnecting the shift cable. Then try to shift and see what you feel. This will tell you if the issue is in the controls or the engine. Also check the cable routing to make sure there are no kinks, etc. Let us know what you find.

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Do what Derwd24 said, but there may be an adjustment screw on the controls for the amount of tension on the lever. some old ones it was just a thumb screw.

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In addition to above, the linkage at the binnicle and at the engine needs to be greased annually.

Review the manual. If you don' t have one, you can get one at a Mercury dealer.

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Thank you ever so much. I will check out all recommendations this coming weekend and advise.

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I had the exact problem. The problem for me was the grease had dried on me because the boat (prior to me buying it) had no one taking care of it for 3 years.

I would definitely look into greasing it up again. After I did, it shifts very smoothly.

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Checked all fittings and pivot points for grease-OK and free. Greased and lubricated everything while checking.
Disconnected the shift linkage at the engine and the shifter worked very easy. Checked the lower gear case lubricant and it seemed low and had a burnt smell. Drained the lower gear case and although the oil looked good it seemed like there wasn't much oil in the case (maybe a cup). Ordered a manual (local dealer didn't have one) and will refill the lower case next weekend with whatever kind of oil the manual recommends and will take for a ride to see if it's any better. Am I on the right track-any thoughts? Thanks for all the help.

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If the lower unit shifted easily with the rigging disconnected, it sounds like you have binding in the rigging. Hopefully greasing the rigging will do the trick.

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When you say the shifter worked easily when disconnected, I assume you mean the shift lever on the binnacle control? Did you try moving the shift mechanism on the engine with the cable disconnected to see if it shifted gears easily? Should be a smooth transition. Check that and let us know.

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Yes the shift cable and lever moves freely but the arm and shaft into the engine hangs up. I lubricated everything and changed the lower gear lubricant and still shifts hard (only going back into neutral). So it would appear that it's hanging up inside the gear case???

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Sounds like it. Next thing would be dropping the lower unit, then you can inspect the shift rod and shift it by hand to confirm your suspicions. It's also easier to take the l/u to the mechanic if needed vs the whole boat.