Cant select forward gear to remove sterndrive

[Birdsboat]

I need to remove my 4.3 mercruuser V6 engine to replace the flywheel ring gear. I am unable to select forward gear in order to remove the sterndrive. I understand this is a must due to the shift selector shafts having to be in the correct position to decouple. I have disconnected the shift cable from the assist mechanism and the cable seems to have seized. On further inspection the shift cable bellows is split and I suspect there has been water getting in which has either seized the cable or the shift shaft mechanism or both.
Any advice on how to select forward gear? I don't want to remove the sterndrive in neutral as this could cause damage to the shift selectors.
It feels like chicken and the egg scenario!! I need to remove the sterndrive to change/ inspect the cable and shift mechanism but can't because the cable or shift mechanism can't select the forward gear!!

 

[TomCz]

My understanding is that the gears need to be in forward position when reassembling the out drive. If the shift cable is rusted and frozen you just cut it to ease removal of the out drive. That's how I did it - but wait for the experts to respond or check the manual. I've removed my out drive a few times but I'm no expert.

 

[Bondo]

Ayuh,..... Welcome Aboard,.... Trim the drive way up, 'n cut the cable under the drive,.....

At the forward center of the drive, turn the shift shoe/ foot to point fore, 'n aft,....

Then pull the drive, 'n do yer repairs,.....

 

[Johark53]

I had the same problem with mine cut the cable and replaced everything if that rubber boot is no good I guarantee you the rest of the rubber boots are no good I mean it makes perfect sense to replace if you have it all apart

 

[Birdsboat]

Thanks Bondo.

 

[Birdsboat]

Bondo
What do you mean by "to point fore, 'n aft"

 

[Rick Stephens]

Bondo just meant what you already mentioned:

I understand this is a must due to the shift selector shafts having to be in the correct position to decouple.

Cut the cable and manually align the shift shaft shoe facing forward (or aft, whichever) so the drive can come off.

 

[Bondo]

Ayuh,.... The shift shoe/ foot assembly has to be in-line with the keel,....

Pointin' fore, 'n aft,.....

So's they can slip apart,....