Thread: Please help! - 1998 Mercury 40Hp 4cyl Shifting Problem.

Replaced my water impellor, but now when I start the motor it's always in gear and no reverse.

What is the easier way to fix this?

Take the lower unit back off, Cuss out load, shift control into forward after you get the lower unit off, take a pair of channel locks and standing on the left side of the lower unit looking forward, turn the splined shift rod forward while spinning the prop backwards. This will put the lower unit in forward gear also. Reinstall lower unit lining up the shift rod and make sure you turn the prop backwards to turn driveshaft. It sounds backwards but belive me this is the only way to get shifter and lower unit on the same page. One other thing doing this turns the impellor backwards, hopefully you put dish soap on the impellor to lube it and allow it to flip directions without damage. If you don't turn the prop backwards while installing you will never get it on correctly.