Changing my water pump..now a shift problem?

[hokiepoq]

I just changed the water pump on my 1987 115hp Mercury outboard. Overall, things went ok. Put the throttle into forward when I started. When I put the unit back on, it seems it will only stay in "forward" no matter what you do with the throttle/shift control. I dropped the lower unit again. I separated the lowered the lower unit enough that I got access to the shift rod which was then separated. I tried turn the shift rod with a pair of vice grips (not forcing it) the full ~90 degree range and the propeller acted as if it was ALWAYS in forward. I didn't do anything to the lower gear box and it ran fine when I started. Am I missing something? I have the lower until detached right now. I'm kinda at a loss. Any suggestions?

 

[Laddies]

Re: Changing my water pump..now a shift problem?

I like installing units in rev as they can't slip on around as fwd can, drop the unit put everthing in rev and slip it back together. Remember that when in rev the prop locks when you turn it clockwise

 

[hokiepoq]

Re: Changing my water pump..now a shift problem?

Laddies, you're my hero. The lower unit is now on the shifting works great. If you were close, I'd buy you a drink!