60hp Stuck in Forward Gear

[apqated]

I just replaced the water pump in my 1995 - 60hp Merc with standard lower unit. I decided to put on the earmuffs and test it out. The water pump worked great, but the engine was running in forward gear no matter where the shifter was moved. I dropped the lower unit again can't get it to shift out of forward by turning the shift rod coupler by hand.
Should I be able to shift this motor like this?
How do I get this back in sync?

 

[woody66912]

Re: 60hp Stuck in Forward Gear

ye'p drop l/u again put shifter in fwd use pliers turn shift shaft all the way clockwise

 

[tredragon]

Re: 60hp Stuck in Forward Gear

put controls in neutral. drop LU. put a rag around the shift shaft on LU and use vise grips or pliers to gently turn it one click at a time. after each click, check to see that prop spins freely in both directions. no clicking, no resistance. when you've achieved that, put her all back together.

had same problem.

 

[apqated]

Re: 60hp Stuck in Forward Gear

I followed the advise given, and was able to turn the shift shaft back to neutral. Everything is back together and shifts correctly now.
Thanks for the help!