Changed water pump and now.........

[Jraywheat]

SN 2B196218, 2015 75 hp 4s. I changed out my water pump, no problem, everything went back together smoothly, aligned everything going back in with the foot, nuts tightened up with little resistance.............now my shifter doesn't work smoothly, I can turn the prop in neutral but wont go into gear, I can move the lever forward, turn the prop and it will go into gear, then it goes in and out all day as long as it is forward. To get into reverse you have to go back to neutral, turn the prop a little then it goes in and out fine, but not into forward. Honestly I don't know if I ever tried this before without the engine running, and now I am. What am I missing, if anything. It might shift fine with the motor running? Thought please.......

[SilverFox579]

I can move the lever forward, turn the prop and it will go into gear, then it goes in and out all day as long as it is forward. To get into reverse you have to go back to neutral, turn the prop a little then it goes in and out fine, but not into forward. Honestly I don't know if I ever tried this before without the engine running, and now I am. What am I missing, if anything.

You're not missing anything and that's exactly how it should be. NEVER shift into gear, forward or reverse, unless engine is running or the prop is turned by hand. There is a dog clutch in the lower unit that requires near perfect alignment to engage. If you attempt to force it when the teeth are not aligned you'll damage expensive parts.

[Jraywheat]

Ok, thanks for the input. I will run it with the muffs when the silicon bead has fully cured this afternoon to check the water pump. Then I will check it out with crossed fingers. I hope all is well, I actually have the boat sold and the buyer wanted me to change the impeller.

[5keepers2]

Based on what happens with my 150 HP I think you are ok. Once started it will all work!

[EuropeanAM]

You're not missing anything and that's exactly how it should be. NEVER shift into gear, forward or reverse, unless engine is running or the prop is turned by hand. There is a dog clutch in the lower unit that requires near perfect alignment to engage. If you attempt to force it when the teeth are not aligned you'll damage expensive parts.

+1

ESPECIALLY this part:

NEVER shift into gear, forward or reverse, unless engine is running or the prop is turned...

[Jraywheat]

I cranked it up with the muffs. The water pump was good and the shifter worked great. I must have taken the lower unit off and put it back on 4-5 times, and nothing was wrong all along, live and learn. Coulda saved myself a lot of time though. Thanks for the comments!

[EuropeanAM]

One thing for sure- you'll probably remember it next time.