140hp 1987 Lower Unit-Correct Gear Selection

[SD Black Sheep]

Feel as though I may be coming close to finishing a project that has kicked my but butt, seemed so simple to do a water impellar change. Took the lower unit off and did exactly what I read not to do moved the shift shaft. Recently got lower unit back on and forward wasn't engaging.

Pulled lower unit and now i am going through the gears and testing each one before I put lower back on. Neutral no problem, push shift shaft down get reverse-prop locking pull into forward- prop locking. Perfect right? Now repeat a second time and forward is neutral on second attempt. Ran this scenario a few times and I am guessing shift shaft height not correct in neutral, I have tried manuals height and just doesn't seem to be right.Every other attempt to pull shift shaft into forward gets me neutral.

Any suggestions.
Does the shift shaft need to be turned to get it higher since forward is having the issue. Or do I just put the lower back on and see if this problem eliminates when back on engine.

 

[emdsapmgr]

You are correct. The height of the shift rod is adjustable, by turning the shift rod in or out. If you unscrew it, it will get longer. Set it to the precise measurement required by the factory service manual. That should get it close to perfect. When the lower is back on, try shifting it by hand and see how that works. If it's ok, then connect the shift cable. You can make a further shifting adjustment up top by turning the thumbwheel on the cable end somewhat.