Finally figured it out. Watched how the cables operated from the top while moving the handle F-N-R. I must have moved the shift control while it was disconnected because the position of the cables was off. Once I saw how they moved versus how they should move at full throttle I could set them up correctly so that N was at the center position. Everything worked fine and it started right up after that adjustment. It's all cleaned and fresh grease should last a long time now.
