Gear problem Merc/Mariner 4hp 4-stroke

[Daiwill]

Hello all
I've recently inherited a small SIB and a Mercury/Mariner 4hp 4-stroke OB, which I'm currently servicing. I've managed to change the impeller, and re-instate the lower gear.
The issue I'm having is that the gear lever does not now push 'positively' into forward gear. Neutral and Reverse seem fine, but the lever does not travel forward properly into Forward. Neither is there the 'click' when properly selecting a gear. I fear I may have done something incorrect when removing/replacing the lower gear?
I'd appreciate any thoughts that people might have.
Kind regards,
Daiwill

[redken]

Hi, There is a connector on the selector shaft that you would have disconnected to take the bottom end off. It is probably not quite back in its correct location. If the shaft isnt moving down enough to engage the gear, put it into neutral and lengthen the shaft by loosening the connector and moving the rods, not too much or you will lose reverse gear. Its a bit of trial and error to get it right. Hope this helps.

[Daiwill]

Hi Redken, thanks for the reply.
I must admit I struggled with this a bit. I removed the lower gear again, and found that I was actually reinstalling the gear box in neutral, whilst the gear selector was in reverse. This resulted in me (as you rightly suggested) clamping the rods in the incorrect position.
You live and learn!
Thanks again
Daiwill