Volvo Penta 140 Outboard; anyone ever rebuilt one?

[stan_deezy]

This will amuse you guys I think!<br /><br />I bought a second small boat as a lake fisher only. thrown into the deal was an outboard engine; a Volvo Penta 140. Was told it was a 5hp and didn't "spurt water from that hole under the engine"!<br />Did a bit of research and found out it's actually a 14 hp and with a bit of fiddling it runs but sure enough no water from the tell tale.<br /><br />Fearing the worst I stripped it down and looked at the water pump; two impellors in immaculate condition!!<br /><br />Lots of head scratching and pondering followed until I realised that the previous owner had replaced the impellors and put the gaskets and intermediate plate on the water pump on upside down! Poor wee pump was pumping okay but had nowhere to pump to!<br /><br />Anyway, now that you've all stopped giggling; anyone know how to re-engage the gear change stepped rod at the gearbox? This isn't at all funny; on the hottest day of the year I have exhuasted my dictionary of swear words and still not come close to getting the thing to line up!!<br /><br />Any advice most gratefully received!