Jumped out of gear while underway @ 3500 RPM

[czghdd]

I have had my SEI sterndirve for 2 years with flawless shift performance. Yesterday it jumped out of forward gear while cruising at 3500 RPM. I first noticed a delay when I was pulling from dock. The forward gear did not engage as soon as I pushed the combo shift / throttle lever forward. Then ~ 10 miles later while cruising 3/4 throttle at 3500 RPM, a loud bang and the engine RPM's jumped to redline. I pulled the throttle back and the engine remained running at idle. I thought maybe I hit something, but nothing surfaced and I was in deep water. I decided try forward and it worked. When I got back to dock, a noticable delay in forward but reverse operated normal.

Need some insight.. is this gear issue or shift linkage adjustment?

[Tech Support]

I would check the magnet in the lower unit and see if you have any metal chunks on the plug. It is possible that the clutch lost a couple of teeth. If you do have some chunks in the oil, then you need to get the serial number and call the warranty department.

Tech Support