Changed water pump now motor wont go into gear!

[1850Sportfish]

Just replaced the water pump in my 07' 150 optimax and now when I put the motor into gear it just revs up. Both Forward and reverse are not working. I had some trouble getting the lower unit back on but eventually I got the drive shaft to fit in. I figured that if it fit back it that everything should have lined up right! Any ideas? can it not be lined up even though it went back in?

[BoxMN]

Yep, it can. Has to do with keeping throttle in same (SAME!) position as when you take it off. I think you want it in forward taking off, and then do not jiggle it, if I recall correctly. You likely need to take it back off, get it correct, and slide it back on. If it is any consolation, the mercs I have done are lot easier to get back on than the Rudes/Johnsons I have done.

Good luck.

[1850Sportfish]

So if I had it neutral when I took it off and now it is not working can I put it in Forward, take it off and then put it back on and I should be good? Please say yes!!!!!!!

[BoxMN]

No, I am not sure. But what you want, is when you put it back on, if in N then the prop will spin without making racheting sound. When you have it in F then when you spin the prop, you hear/feel it "click" sort of.

[1850Sportfish]

With the lower unit off should the drive shaft spin when the prop is turned?

[JohnMickish]

With the lower unit off should the drive shaft spin when the prop is turned?

When in gear yes, when in neutral no.

[boatfixer]

A couple things may have happened. Either the shift shaft splines are not lined up, or you completely missed lining it up. You'll need to pull the lower unit off and start over.

[1850Sportfish]

Just talked to a mechanic who said that there is a shift mechanism that can be not lined up. I am pretty sure that I overlooked lining that up. I will be attempting to fix it tomorrow. Just have to drop the lower unit down enough to line it up then it should be all better