1995 Mariner 40 hp lower unit reassembly

[westripple]

I decided to change out the water pump impeller and pulled off the lower unit with the motor in neutral. I now realize I should have shifted it into forward before I removed it. I am having trouble getting the motor to shift correctly when I place the lower unit back into the motor. I'm not sure that the best way is to ensure the shift shaft is aligned correctly with the rest of the shift assembly when I place the lower unit back in.

When I have the lower unit removed and I turn the shift shaft, it doesn't turn from forward, neutral, reverse as easily as I would expect. I've noticed in the past that the motor doesn't shift easily when it isn't running, which I'm not sure makes sense......

Looking for any assistance. Thanks.

 

[racerone]

Motor must be running when operating shift lever.----Or prop must be turned while shifting to REVERSE.----So remove lower unit.----Put lower unit in neutral and assemble with control in neutral.-----Or control in forward and lower unit in forward.