Mariner 25 hp 2 Stroke Lower Unit Assembly Issue

[QuickNick]

I took apart my lower unit and the shift rod is tight and the black plunger will not go below the water pump like it originally was. I tried to add some photos but the Forum just isnt having it. Any thoughts? If re mount the lower unit the shift rod is so tight it wont shift at all. Also i feel like the shift rod isnt going all the way into the lower unit correctly.

 

[flyingscott]

I took apart my lower unit and the shift rod is tight and the black plunger will not go below the water pump like it originally was. I tried to add some photos but the Forum just isnt having it. Any thoughts? If re mount the lower unit the shift rod is so tight it wont shift at all. Also i feel like the shift rod isnt going all the way into the lower unit correctly.

Shift cam is backwards or the Shift rod is not seated.