lower unit shift shaft

[benton21]

i drop my lower unit just like my repair manual told me i replaced the water pump and when i try to put the lower unit back on everything line up right except for the shift shaft i've try about 2 dozens times to line the up but it just won't any help would be great.
1990 mercury 40 hp

 

[Laddies]

Re: lower unit shift shaft

Try putting the unit and engine both in rev. gear, also some upper shafts don't stay centered and you have to use wire or needlenose pliers in the space by the lower engine mount to center the shaft till it's installed.