Lower end reconnect help - shift shaft

[mgewton]

I have a '73 120 hp sterndrive that I just replaced the water pump in the lower end, but when I started it up (while not in gear) the prop is engaged. The engine dies when attempting to put it into drive / reverse. I'm guessing I didn't get the shift shaft in full forward - how do I do that?? Just turning the prop ccw and the shaft cw didn't work for me; the shaft was loose and spinning except when shoved up and into the upper half of the outboard.

What does a shift-shaft wrench do? Can it be imitated by a more common wrench??

I don't wan't to destroy my boat so any help would be great.

Suggestions?? (Thank you!)

 

[Bondo]

Re: Lower end reconnect help - shift shaft

You Need to hold constant Pressure against the Prop Shaft to Hold the thing In Forward..........

I use a Bungee cord........

 

[stronga]

Re: Lower end reconnect help - shift shaft

You would use an alignment tool to put the top part of the other drive back together if the motor has moved.

If you only took off the lower end or gear case read this thread:http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=203189
Or
http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?p=1367993&posted=1#post1367993

You turn the shifter spline shaft clock wise and with the prop on the shaft apply pressure counter clock wise. Like stated, wrap a bungee cord around the prop to hold pressure while you line up the water tube and shifter parts to get the gear case back on. Also, have the shifter lever in forward gear.