2023 Mercury Water impeller issue after installing.

[stockburn]

Engine 2023 Mercury Outboard serial 3B292282. 75 hp 4 stroke ELPT EFI 2.1 liter. Just replaced the water impeller and reinstalled lower gear case. I always leave helm in neutral. After install I checked the helm and it wouldn’t shift into any gear. During installation of lower gear case I used the propeller to help align the driveshaft. I sorta assumed it must have been in gear in order to move prop. I can’t figure how I jammed the gears. Is there a fix? I tried to move the gear selector into neutral but noticed it would slowly spring back into either forward or reverse. I could hold the selector in neutral and turn the drive shaft clockwise to proved it would go into forward and reverse. What can I do? I am at a loss.

 

[AllDodge]

. I sorta assumed it must have been in gear in order to move prop

The gear case was removed in neutral, it must be re-installed in neutral
Lower gear case enough to get it back in neutral and slide it back up

 

[stockburn]

The gear case was removed in neutral, it must be re-installed in neutral
Lower gear case enough to get it back in neutral and slide it back up

Thank your sir. Heading out to boat to try that method right now. I will post back my results.