120 HP Force 1997 model Locked in forward

[jdanielbiz@gmail.com]

After rebuilding the water pump, and installing the gear case back, all per the manual, the gear case is locked in forward and ratchets when turned CW, as the manual says, but will not shift into neutral or reverse. I have removed the gear case, turned the shift shaft and found all the positions, and neutral and reverse. Put the unit back in forward, reinstalled the gear case with very little movement of the prop to align the drive shaft splines, and the gear case is locked in ratcheting forward. I have done this three times. I took the shift shaft lever loose where the cable connects and cannot find any gear settings but forward when I move the lever on the shaft. What in the world is going on with this? Anyone have suggestions?

 

[jerryjerry05]

The 97 drive is a PITA
Yu have to rotate the shift shaft until you find N
Then put the shifter in N
Try to install.
You might have to rotate the drive shaft 1/8th of an inch and try installing again.
I just rebuilt the same motor and installed a new lower unit and it took 4-5 attempts to install the drive and I've been working on these for years.
I explained it in another post, try the search function.

 

[jdanielbiz@gmail.com]

I was able to install the gear case, in neutral, seems to be ok!