Re: New problem
Outboard must be taken apart in either REVERSE or Neutral.
The shift slider will default to Forward if the shift shaft is bumped as the spring pushes the slider forward.
There are TWO detents on the sift cam, Reverse, and Neutral. Either will work fine for reassembly as long as the Control Arm is in the same position.
Using pliers, turn the shift shaft until you feel it 'click' into position. Now try to turn the prop, if it turns freely it is in Neutral, it it locks BOTH directions it is in Reverse. Set the Control Arm to that same position.
Reinstall the LU taking care to ensure both the water transfer tube lines up with the pump AND that the shift shaft in the mid-section lines up with the shaft in the top of the LU.
It can sometimes take a few attempts, and poking your finger in between the mid-section pivot to hold the mid-section shift shaft in alignment with the LU shaft.
Take your time, take a break if needed so you can approach it rested.
Biting my tongue sometimes helps me.