Shifter resistance?

[pdqford]

I pulled the one-piece lower unit on my 1981 Chrysler 75 hp triple (to change the WP impeller).
Had a little trouble getting the lower unit to drop all the way down so I kinda had to use some force.
What I found is that the shifter rod had a burr and it caught in the connector where I had removed the cotter key and pin.
After I used a screwdriver to release the shifter rod the lower unit came right out.

Now I’m getting ready to reinstall the lower unit (if I can handle it!).
I decided to shift the lower unit into gear so I can wiggle the prop to get the driveshaft splines to align with the crankshaft splines. But that gear shifter shaft sticking up out of the lower unit seems awful stiff. I have to use a small hammer to tap it down, or a small screwdriver through the cotter key/pin hole and pull up while holding the lower unit down to get it to shift!

Is this normal (and all the linkages and control box leverage just makes it seem easier to shift), or is it possible that I caused a problem in the gear box trying to get the lower unit to drop down?

Here’s hopin I didn’t !

 

[jerryjerry05]

It shouldn't be real hard to move the shift rod.
Moving it with fingers?? maybe , maybe not.
Remember that the motors usually turning when it's being shifted.
That turns the parts in the lower.
The gears are always moving when it's running.
That makes it shift easier???

Did you change the seal on the shift rod?
Over time, the crud builds up on the shaft and wipes off on the seal and can clog the seal
making it harder to shift.

The soft metal corrodes under the seal and can cause binding on the shaft.

Try turning the prop shaft as you shift.