1998 25 HP reverse lock mechanism - my motor lifts up in reverse

[steelhead_guy]

My motor will lift up when I go into reverse. I was wondering if the reverse lock mechanism is not installed correctly.

I purchased the motor used (w/ very low hours) and the previous owner said the water pump was replaced so maybe it happened when the lower unit was replaced.

Is this something I can fix without removing the lower unit? My motor runs and shifts great other then this issue.