shift linkage help

[treeclimber]

so...i decided to change the water pump on the lower unit of my 1989 mercruiser alpha 1 gen 1...made a bonehead move and decided to take off the entire sterndrive unit...upper and lower...when i finally got it all back together the transmission is stuck in forward...when i move the shift stick forward or back it doesnt change...what did i forget to hook up

 

[sr330daguy]

The shift foot on the lower is misaligned with the splines,common mistake.

 

[treeclimber]

Thanks for the info...i got that problem fixed but now it wont shift into gear...i can shift the handle into gear and then move the arm in front of drive with my fingers

 

[techmitch]

Is shift shaft coupler aligned with the coupler slot?

http://mercstuff.com/alpharemoval.htm

Hope this helps.

 

[treeclimber]

Thanks...tgat did the trick...seems i keep running into problems tho...it shifts into drive and neutral with no problems but no reverse...thanks again for all the help guys