1999 225 FICHT Lower Unit HELP

[winner89]

Ok guys - I got the new water pump all put together and installed into the LU. Now - I go to put it back onto the motor and its being a real PITA (probably because I am doing something wrong).

- I have the motor trimmed all the way up
- Shift lever is in reverse (assuming the gear case is in reverse too from when I initially took it off the motor)
- I greased the splines, I know I am lining up on the driveshaft because I can feel it go in when I work the prop back and forth
- I think the shifter rod might be the issue - there is a rubber grommet that looks like the shifter rod is supposed to go thru but it just seems to be shoving into the side of it

Any help would be appreciated! Hoping to get muffs put on it tomorrow to make sure everything is ship shape, then change the LU oil and hopefully go to the lake this weekend for the first on the water test!

Thanks!

[CCGambler206]

Usually a second set of hands makes it easier mine usually has the shift for hang up on something.

[winner89]

I figured it out. Much easier when you put the LU back on to shift the boat into FWD. Then, have another set of hands with needle nose pliers back at the motor to line the shift rod up while a person at the help slowly shifts it back into REV.