Merc 225 stuck in forward after impeller change

[pdowning]

I have a 2003 Merc 225. dropped the lower unit to change the impeller and am now stuck in forward even with the lower unit off. Does this make any sense? I disconnected the shift cable & it moves freely so it leads me to believe linkage or shift rod. Is there anything that causes the shift rod not to rotate freely?? Hoping I didn't bend the shift rod.

 

[aussieflash]

Re: Merc 225 stuck in forward after impeller change

Rotate shift shaft manually with pliers back to nuetral.Prop should spin in both directions.All other controls back to nuetral as well.Attach lower unit and should be good to go.

 

[floatnisalliwanado]

Re: Merc 225 stuck in forward after impeller change

Sometimes the shift shaft will rotate when you slid the LU up. Like aussie says, start with everything back in nutral and watch as you slide LU up to make sure shaft does not turn.