Did I knock lower unit out of neutral during water pump service?????

[crazy charlie]

2000 200HP Saltwater series 2 stroke. Pulled lower unit to service water pump.
after completing the water pump change, reinstalled the lower unit with a little jiggling.
When I reinstalled the prop I noticed that the prop shaft was locked in both directions.
I dont remember this being the case last time I serviced the pump.Does this sound right
or did I screw it up by knocking the lower unit out of neutral???? Charlie

 

[99yam40]

just drop it again and set the lower into neutral along with the controls and then reinstall

 

[crazy charlie]

just drop it again and set the lower into neutral along with the controls and then reinstall

Yes thats what I plan to do but Im just looking to get confirmation of what the prop should be able to do or not do when in neutral.Right now it does not spin in either direction.Charlie

 

[99yam40]

yes the prop shaft should move freely when in neutral

 

[crazy charlie]

yes the prop shaft should move freely when in neutral

ok thanks

 

[crazy charlie]

Tilted the motor up 3/4 tilt. Made a ratcheting hoist around the lower and dropped the lower just enough to reach the shift stem as it exited the shift receptical in the upper. I was able to find the midpoint on the shifter with a small locking pliers on the shift stem and ratcheted the lower back up into place. Looks to be a success so far.Charlie