25 hp shift rod linkage

[Tin man 14]

Have a 'recoil start' long shaft, 1985 Yamaha 25 hp two stroke. WAS working fine until I replaced the impeller. Now stuck in "F" and cannot engage other gears. Problem is NOT in the powehead. With Lower Unit removed shift linkage moves freely. Examining LU on workbench I cannot move shift rod. Not even sure (from Yamaha manual) if the rod is meant to move vertically or rotate. Answer to that Q, alone, will be very helpful. Propeller shaft and vertical drive shaft are 'linked' and rotating in a 'forward' direction. Any suggestions on how to address this shift problem? Thank you.

 

[99yam40]

if it is a threaded shaft ,then up and down movement
if splined shaft it twists/rotates

 

[cordgrass]

Try and turn the prop while Taking it out of reverse

 

[Tin man 14]

Actually stick in "F." But I have tried to rotate the propeller and engage some other gear. No success.

 

[99yam40]

most are spring loaded into forward.
If nothing pushes the spring in to get it out of Forward then it is there to stay

 

[Tin man 14]

Appreciate the interest in this, even though it has all been bad news. Considering making some sort of platform for the LU to keep it stable, sandwiching the shift rod between two pieces of material and applying increasing downward pressure until something breaks (or breaks free !). Even if I wanted to take on the adventure of opening the LU the frightening cost cost of parts (even just gaskets) has me looking at a NEW 6 to 9 hp motor as a replacement for this. Doesn't look like -taking it to an authorized service center- I can get this done, professionally, for less than $400.00. The Big Mallet will probably be my only way of getting any satisfaction on this one.

 

[99yam40]

If this is a replaced lower unit it will come apart easily.
Needs a o ring only maybe, as I am not familiar with this motor