1976 Merc200 20 hp shifter problems

[nakedblues]

I've got a 1976 Merc 200 20 hp. When I flip the lever to change forward, neutral, reverse. Reverse barely works and won't open into neutral at all. Seems mostly stuck in forward position.
I just recently changed the water pump as this engine has been sitting up for 4 years + in my dad's woods when he gave it to me. It was having this problems prior to dropping the LU already. Not sure what the issue is. Or if it is anything I can fix as I am new to the boating world and the boat motor repair as well..

Any advise is appreciated.
Thanks.

 

[racerone]

Remove lower unit.----Put shifter lever in forward on the motor.---Then verify that lower unit is in forward.---Re-assemle.

 

[nakedblues]

So it could be that it's just in forward on the LU and trying to change it after assembly isn't doing anything? That's not a bad idea. Thanks!