3.0L problems after impeller change

[BrokeBoatMI]

Hi, and thanks in advance for any advice you can offer. I’m trying to get the boat going myself with all of the marinas not able to service it due to the virus...anyways I was able to get an impeller kit before they closed down. Dropped the lower unit, changed impeller, no issues.
But, when going to put things back together I didn’t pay attention to the shift linkage. Got the boat running, but no forward or reverse, just a free spinning prop. I did some research on this site, and looking at the shift shaft coupled up under the outdrive I saw that the shoe and shift shaft were not aligned, and the shoe was pushed upwards because of it.
Took everything back apart, did the recommended bungee cord on the prop turning CCW, shift shaft turned CW, everything lined up good this time. Started it, but I’m now getting grinding when going into forward, and no reverse. If I put the control in reverse (with the engine off), the prop spins freely but I can move the shift shaft just a tiny amount and it locks into reverse.
Is it possible that when the shoe was pushed upwards it did something to put the cable out of alignment? Hopefully this could be just a shift cable adjustment and we’ll be good to go. Thanks again

 

[BrokeBoatMI]

Forgot to say, 1990, alpha 1 gen 1

 

[Bondo]

Is it possible that when the shoe was pushed upwards it did something to put the cable out of alignment? Hopefully this could be just a shift cable adjustment and we’ll be good to go.

Ayuh,...... Welcome Aboard,..... It's entirely possible ya bent something, 'n it's possible it might adjust out,.....

I'd pull it apart again, 'n see 1st,....

 

[Rick Stephens]

Make sure the stainless steel washer wasn't left off the shift shaft before assembly. If missing, that allows the intermediate shaft to drop down and not engage the shoe.

 

[BrokeBoatMI]

Thanks Bondo and Rick, I checked in the lower unit (still have it separated), nothing appears bent and the washer is there

 

[Rick Stephens]

Make sure gear shift is in forward gear. The put the shift shoe facing fore and aft and make sure your prop is locked when turning CCW. Start the drive on the bell housing and crawl under and look. You can see if the thing is lining up or not and at the right height.

Good luck!

Rick