I posted recently about having a problem with my shift linkage after changing out my lower unit. With the motor off, I could get forward and neutral only, but the shifter wouldn't budge into reverse. With the motor running, I could get reverse. Then when I shut the motor off...no reverse again. Well, today I came back to look at the motor and figure out what to do and I tried the shifter with the motor off just for the heck of it. It now shifts fine in forward and reverse. I didn't do anything to it and now it works all of a sudden. Can someone explain how this is possible?

maybe, the gears just need to move a little and the motor running gave it what it needed

Yeah, it's been suggested to me that the vibration from the motor running was just enough to get the shift rod lined up properly.  I think because the replacement L/U was sitting for awhile, things inside the gearcase got a little stiff.  The oil that came with the replacement L/U looked good, but I changed it anyway.  Maybe it just took the motor a little bit of time to loosen things up in there, kinda like it takes a pitcher a few warmup tosses before he goes into pitch.  I don't know, but as hard as it's been to deal with this thing, maybe I was just do for a lucky break.  Anywho, my boat is finally up and running after 3 months and I can't wait to get out on the water.

hey man, glad to hear you got it running right. I just changed my water pump today and had the same problem. I think that linkage is just extremely fickle. i noticed with mine i had to pre ajust the barrel nut several times before i got it to work, i had to re-pull the lower unit 5 times. if you have more problems that may be it. well its time to take it out for a test run. good luck

Yeah, I think what I took away from this whole L/U experience is that the smallest deviation can throw off the linkage.  There are just so many darn moving parts in an outboard motor, it's amazing they don't break down all the time.  I suppose that's why they're so expensive.  

Oh, by the way, a big thumbs up to a guy who goes by the handle of HPBB on this forum.  He sold me the lower unit at a very fair price, shipped it when he said he would, and answered a lot of my questions.  He could have chose to stick it to me on the price because there's not that many L/U's like mine out there, but he didn't.  There's still good people out there.  Thanks Jim.

Thanks Chris, just sorry I couldn't help you with some of the questions. now alll I have to do is get a new powerhead( and the $$ to buy it) and I am running again.

now alll I have to do is get a new powerhead( and the $$ to buy it) and I am running again.

Ouch!  Well I'd like to help out with the powerhead, but all I have to give ya is a slightly used lower unit with shredded gears.  At $0.00, it's the best deal in town.  I'm taking mine out on the water in the next few days.  Wish me luck.