1969 Merc 650 - Shifting problems

[krisx25]

I dropped my lower unit to replace the water pump, had the control box and lower unit in forward gear and tried to reinstall. It was having problems aligning so I took the lower unit back off and now I cannot shift the control box out of forward gear. I unhooked the shift and throttle cables to check the control box and it shift while not attached to the motor. I need some ideas what to check as it was working fine before dropping the lower unit in the first place.

 

[racerone]

There is a strong spring on the clutch dog.-----It takes quite a bit of effort to turn the shift rod CCW to get neutral.----Use a visegrip.

 

[krisx25]

I am just wondering if I could have damaged something trying to get the lower unit back on

 

[racerone]

Sorry ----These things slide together.-----I was not there to see what you did that may have damaged it.