Shifting Issue

[dschild]

I just got done changing the water pump on my 1994 Johnson 9.9 hp. Everything seems to be successfully reassembled. But something must’ve gone slightly awry. I’m having trouble shifting from neutral into reverse. If I shift into forward first then I’m able to shift into reverse. It’s not consistent, and definitely seems to be remedied by first shifting into forward.

 

[racerone]

Is the motor running when you try and shift ?

 

[dschild]

Sorry, left that out. No, not yet.

 

[boobie]

Something has to be turning for it to shift.

 

[dschild]

Yes, my friend told me the same. I was unfamiliar with the mechanics.