1979 mercury shifts backwards after impeller replacement

[notyepcars]

I have a 1979 mercury 50hp 4 cylinder 2 stroke that is shifting backwards after replacing impeller. I had a hell of a time getting the lower unit back in without shifter binding at the console. Thought I had it, but put it in the lake today and it is shifting backwards. Push forward on control, and it goes into reverse and visa-versa. What did I do wrong?? Thanks

 

[Chris1956]

That is a common problem. The cure is to remove the gearcase, turn the shifter CCW until it clicks into neutral, set the control to neutral and reinstall the gearcase.

 

[notyepcars]

Ok, I’m assuming I need to turn that ccw with a vice grip as it doesn’t turn easy. Also, there is a plastic/rubber piece that goes over that same splined shifter rod that has a notch in it, what direction does that go? Thanks