Is there any way to switch anything around in the control box in an outboard motor to make it pull instead of push the throttle lever on the side of the motor to make the motor accelerate?

Good Morning Anna,
Start At The Control Box,
Safety
1.Disconnect The Battery
2.Remove The Kill-Switch Lanyard
3.Remove Engine Cowl
Whilst Someone is turning the propeller operate the control lever into forward gear.
Check- Does The Control Cable Move a Lever At The Motor Side
Yes/No
Move The Control Lever Into Neutral Does The Lever Move at The Motor Side Yes /No
If Your Answer Is No Then The Problem Lies With The Control Box And Cables.
If Yes Then The Problem Lies Between The Lever You See Moving In The Engine And The Internal Gear Selectors Inside The Gear Housing.
If You Are able To Open The Gearbox And You Require Further Assistance I Can Guide You Further.
Hope This Helps
Regards
Gordon

Check the ingear protector in the control box ! its a small switch that when lever in gear it wont start ! remove and split the box or remove the flush mounted box from the side of your boat and you will see it as you move the gear lever pending what type you have ! some have a small lever on the switch and others have a button !

its in the remote control box as you should have a kill lanyard button on the side so if you fall out it stops the engine ! split the box and easy replacement or check , make or brake reading on amulti meter set on ohms !

It is not supposed to. That is a safety issue. You can push a button or pull straight out on the shift handle and get more throttle in neutral, but the basic design of the control box will not allow starting in gear.

Hi, basically it depends on the control box you have. On some you can fit the shift cable in 2 different positions, each one alters whether the cable pushes or pulls when you shift the gear lever. On others it cant be changed(not common). Regards Phil.

is that on the remote control lever ? if yes then adjust the throttle cable to push against the throttle stop on the engine end so when you select gears it only moves when you go to accelerate ! mite need to adjust the carb pickup to align with mark on main lever that moves the timing rod to the trigger under the flywheel !

Open the fuel valve ( at the back near the spark plugs).
Pull the choke knob ( SB side at the lower front of the motor)
Set the throttle handle in 'start' position ( abour 1/4 of the travelling way from SB to Port)
Pull the rope starter.
Should start easily.

There is a switch in the control box that locks out the start unless you are in neutral. Open the box and put in a new switch,this is a safty device to keep it from starting in forward and throwing you out of the boat. Jim OMC retired Mech

sound like the throttle control (lever) is at fault not engaging the throttle in FWD position, but ok when in neutral, check the release button insure it pops out to lock the throttle...hope this helps...GL