1985 Mercruiser 175 shifter problem

[glennj3]

Good afternoon. It’s been a while because I haven’t driven the old boat. Planned to take her out this summer so I took the boat to a new place in the nearby town for the water impeller replacement.
I brought it home in about 2 weeks. Put the water hose on it preparing to crank it but the shifter would only move back, it would not move forward or neutral at all.
I took it back immediately to his dismay. Another 2 weeks they called & said it’s fixed. I went to pick it up but (fool me once!) I checked it right there not fixed / same problem.
I left it there. A week later they called me to come pick it up & returned my money. Said he & another Mercruiser expert could not figure out what is wrong!
I had shoulder surgery and can’t climb up there or pull the outdrive off now.
So I can’t pull the shifter handle out to put in neutral & can’t push it forward.
Note before I took it to him I would run it on a hose several times with no issues, I just wanted a new impeller.
I hate to even ask what he could have done to cause that, but that’s where I am!

 

[kenny nunez]

What has happened is when the lower unit was raised back up the shift shaft splines were not lined up with the intermediate shaft in the bell housing. The lower needs to come down then shifted into forward along with the control lever.
I realize your situation, if you have a relative who may be able and with a u tube video that A Chris has on this site the problem can be corrected. The lower does not have to come down more than an inch. The shaft turned as on the video and you will be good. It will be about replacing the water pump impeller and housing.
Or find another stern drive shop.