Shifter pulled out of lower unit

[Mrfixit290]

Hello, I was changing the water impeller on lower unit. When all of the bolts were out, the lower unit dropped about 1/2 of an inch and and got stuck. I was spraying with oil for 2 days, finally today it gave away. The only thing is the gear shifter came out of the lower unit. How do I fix this? Also, how to prevent this from happening again? TIA

 

[racerone]

The coupling splines are rusted / jammed.----Likely nobody greased it for 15 years !

 

[The Force power]

There's a retaining ring on the shift-shaft that should of prevented that.
You'll have to open the LU to re-install the shift-shaft & retaining ring (that I suspect to be in the LU)

the part where the shift-shaft goes through (see your pic.) will have to be un-screwed also
It would be good to do a complete tear down and Cleaning (all the drain holes are plugged with sand)

Your Impeller is now the last of your tasks

 

[jimmbo]

As mention above the case has to be taken apart. Gives you a Reason to replace all the seals, and inspect the Clutch Dogs/Gears for wear