1986 mecury classic fifty won't shift into reverse

[c110039]

I have a 1986 mecury classic fifty that I just changed the impeller on. upon re-assy of the lower unit I placed the lower unit in forward and aligned the shift shaft to the best of my knowledge per the manual. It passes the shift test until I try to get into reverse. I can move back and forth into neutral and forward and get the correct action at the prop. The shift lever goes to the rear most position but the prop will not turn. Is there something I'm missing here or do I need to go investigate the shift shaft further?
Thanks.

 

[FLATHEAD MAC]

Re: 1986 mecury classic fifty won't shift into reverse

In forward prop will have resistance going counter clockwise. And click going clockwise. Free both ways in neutral , and resistance bothways in reverse, but dont try to enguage reverse unless you are turning the prop at same time moving shifter

there are many threads to shift issues , just inter shifting inot gear in search box and read on