1980 johnson V4 85HP Wont go in to Forward Gear After waterpump refit

[spybot]

hi all
need help on this one. i have just replaced the water pump on my V4 85hp Johnson, (1980)
I had it in neutral whilst i removed the lower unit. Now once i have reassembled it it goes in to Reverse and Neutral but not in to forward. the linkage was removed and greased but reassembled in neutral again. the control lever goes fully forward as if WOT the engine revs in crease but the gear box is still in neutral.
Please help as i need the boat for this weekend.

 

[racerone]

Did you turn the shift rod during the work , yes or no ?------Disconnect cable at the motor and operate the shift there while turning the prop. ---Do you get forward, yes or no ?-----Is the shift rod moving up and down when shifting.---Remember to turn the prop.--------Are you sure that the pin went into the shift rod hole , yes or no ?