shifting problems post h2o pump work

[bigvig]

installed a water pump kit on my 1992 15hp yamaha outboard. all went well until we reinstalled the lower unit; the shifter is stuck in forward. we took the lower unit back off and the shift rod is frozen in the up (forward) position. shouldn't we be able to freely move the shift rod up and down; ie: in the forward, neutral, reverse positions. we tryed retating the prop to find a "sweet" spot that would let the shifter rod move but had no luck with it. we don't have a schematics for the lower unit so PLEASE help a shade tree outboard mechanic out.
thanks for any responces!

 

[Lenard]

Sounds like the shift rod is pulled too much out of the gearcase. Did you forget to loosen the shift shaft initially?

With the gearcase removed, turn the gearcase so that the propellershaft is downwards. Then carefully hit (like a hammer) the propshaft on a block of wood (not too hard). Now the shift pin is back into the propellershaft, try to push down the shift rod and your shift system is repaired.