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Last week I took the lower end off my E250fpxsrm and Evinrude 250 2004, that was easy, in a stupid fashion I moved the shift linkage and didn’t' note it's position, and now I'm having trouble reinstalling it where it functions. I learned at the boat ramp that I botched the reinstall. I replaced the impeller with success, this was done as part of the maintenance schedule, since I have know idea what the previous owner did to it.....

I guess the three questions I have are the following:
1. What position is the shifter on the console supposed to be in when reinstalling
2. where should the shift linkage be positioned on the lower end, up/down/neutral when reinstalling
3. And here is the dumb one. I am not sure which direction part number 72 (link below) is supposed to be pointed, either L towards the front of the boat or the other way around.....it pains me to admit it, but I messed up good this time. My buddy and eye tried multiple installations with different combos and finally after a beer and deliberation that it would be easier to defer to somebody smarter than me, and hence the post.
http://www.boats.net/parts/search/BRP...parts.html
I know Seahorse is an Evinrude guru, and I'd like to hear from any informed people out there.

Thanks!!

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If you put the shift linkage in neutral you will know its in neutral if the prop can spin freely both ways. Then put the console shifter in the neutral position. Then without disturbing the shift linkage re-assemble the lower unit. If you got it right you can test by moving the shifter into forward, neutral, and reverse and fell the prop.
Hope this helps-

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I re-installed my lower unit last night, for the first time. It is a 1989 Mercury 150 Blackmax.
I couldn't get the splines indexed for the install. I finally chose to install it in forward gear. I chose forward on the console and also by twisting the shifting spline clockwise and rotating the prop for engagement. This allowed me to use the prop to spin the drive shaft to align the splined driveshaft with the powerhead.

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You need to find out the shift shaft height specification for your engine and then adjust (screw in or out) the shift rod to match that exact measurement. Here's a video on how to make the height tool and use it properly:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aBNZ_g...BNZ_gMh5RQ

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Actually it does not matter what gear the motor is in when installing a gearcase. You may have to move the flywheel slightly to allow the driveshaft splines engage with the crankshaft splines.

The dogleg of the shift shaft faces forward.

Make sure you reach up and have someone inspect with a flashlight that the water tube is inserted into the extension pipe and grommet on the waterpump housing.

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Thanks for the responses. Seahorse, You stated that it doesn't matter which gear the lower end is in when I do the reinstall, but I shouldn't it match whichever gear I pick on the lower, it must match the console...

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It does not matter what gear it is in as all you have to do is line up the shift rod and the linkage clevis and screw after the gearcase is installed.

If you disconnect the shift cable is is easy to move the clevis into position and you can use a needle nose pliers to move the shift rod up and down. I"m sure that you have the port lower side cover removed for access and checked the shift rod height adjustment before installing the gearcase, right?

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I got it fixed! Thanks for all those that contributed0. Seahorse your advice is what fixed it....I owe you a beer or two or three. Thanks.