NS5B Cannot insert shaft into power head

[Snowboardo]

I replaced the water impeller on my 92 Nissan NS5B long shaft that I use as a kicker on a sailboat, everything went very smoothly but when reinstalling the shaft into the power head I have been unable to get it to slide in. I have tried turning the engine and prop but have been trying for hours and it will not slide in.

 

[pvanv]

It's a matter of feel. Sometimes stopping for a cuppa coffee and then going back at it helps.

 

[Snowboardo]

I've been able to get it in so that the spines on the shaft are catching and if I turn the prop it will turn the engine but still short 3/4 of an in inch from bolting it back together.

 

[pvanv]

Is the water tube in the grommet? Have you checked the shift coupler?