Re: Having trouble installing gearcase.
don't use bolts to draw it up.something is not in place.trust i spent the whole summer with my lower unit. had it out a dozen times wrong used parts.ther vare 4 things that can cause this, drive shaft,shift shaft exhaust housing and water pump tube. so you can rule out drive shaft unless you put to much lube on top of shaft and grease is in the way. i use a pair of long needle nose pliers to move shift rod. ther is a spot just under grommet that does through case were you can see and move shift rod. also make sure gear shift is in full forward.did you put top hat seal in water pump correctly,one i got used was installed upside down,folded over the seal an it ran hot until i figured out what happened. seat exhaust housing in middle section and use alittle on rubber seal were it seats in lower unit. you can use bolts to hold in place but i can seat my 150 by hand, a little wiggle anf jiggle that last 1/2' or so then snug up one of the bolts. first took me 6 trys,know i'm an old pro haha