1988 Johnson 30 hp tiller long shaft. I removed the lower unit for a water pump change. I am having trouble reinstalling due to shifter issues. When I align the 2 shift rods to connect them and push them into place it will shift the lower into forward gear while the shifter stays in neutral. I can get it in neutral by pushing the shifter to forward at that point the neutral safety is engaged. I have done many outboards of various horsepower and never run into this issue. Needing andvice on how to install where anll gears work as they should . Any help would be greatly appreciated.
