Bravo 3 Sterndrive Reinstall- shift linkage wont come out to open

[CayugaCobalt]

The BRAVO 3 outdrive came off quite easily and the shift cable came out of shift linkage without issue.

I dont understand or remember why its not still sticking out and open from uninstall. I guess I must have pushed or bumped it back in?

The drive is in Neutral. When I spin the prop shaft the U joint shaft does not spin.

Now it's time to reinstall, and the shift linkage wont come out of housing to be in ready open position to receive knob on end of shift cable. I have pulled on it with my arm. Have not really hunkered down and put my back into cuz I dont want to break something.

Question is: is there some sort or release mechanism or "trick" to get it "unstuck" OR do I just need to use overwhelming force?

 

[alldodge]

One hand Grab with pliers and other hand rotate the drive shaft a bit, should come right out. If it takes a lot of force, remove top cap on the drive and look at the gears

 

[CayugaCobalt]

One hand Grab with pliers and other hand rotate the drive shaft a bit, should come right out. If it takes a lot of force, remove top cap on the drive and look at the gears

Thanks. Didnt work for me. Rotated both drive shaft and propellor shaft CW and CCW multiple rotations and it wouldn't come out.

The drive is empty. no fluid inside. is this the problem?

 

[CayugaCobalt]

I took to top cover/lid off the drive and the gears looked ok; nothing unusual. I had drained the outdrive before I pulled it off and planned to reinstall outdrive still empty of fluid as it would be a little lighter.

 

[alldodge]

What your dealing with isn't normal, empty or full it should still come out. Remove the back cover to view the shift fork, linkage and spring.

 

[CayugaCobalt]

wiggling up and down one the link was the secret for me. popped out