Merc won’t engage motor into drive

[Msoder25]

I have a 1998 Chaparral 205le with a 305 mercruiser I/o. I replaced the impeller and draw tube in the lower unit and now, even though the engine purrs like a kitten, it won’t engage into drive or reverses without stalling out. Did I miss something related to the gears when I put it all back together? Appreciate any help in this.

 

[Bondo]

Ayuh,.... Welcome Aboard,..... The controller has to be in forward, 'n the drive has to be held in forward when reinstallin' it,....
My guess is, the drive slipped into neutral as you stabbed it,....

I use a bungee strap from the cav-plate, 'round the prop shaft, back to the cav-plate to hold tension on forward gear, so that it don't slip outa gear,....

 

[flashback]

What Bondo said, Been there and done it ! Real easy get mis-aligned...

 

[achris]

When you replaced the water pump, did you pull the engine drive off, or just the gear housing?