'91 50Hp gearcase shift cradle

[HairPulledOut]

Hello. Newbe here.

I have a XJ50BELEIA which isn't shifting well since the water pump impeller was replaced. Upon inspection, I did not find the shift cradle (Part 0332507) so the problem made sense. I ordered a new cradle but it's too wide to slip into place around the shift dog shaft due to the narrow alley where I must slip it into place.

What am I doing wrong?

Thanks

[boats.net]

That part number does show to be correct for a J50BELEIA, and it should slide into place. Changing the water pump should have had no effect on the shift cradle.

[HairPulledOut]

Not knowing to disconnect the shift rod from above, I removed the complete assembly out of the gearcase. I don't know if I misplaced the cradle or it wasn't in there to begin with; in either case, it's gone. so I ordered a new one.

So it's suppose to slip in . . . but it is too wide. Do I have the wrong part? It sure looks like the right part.

[HairPulledOut]

I got it. Thanks for your help.

[HairPulledOut]

Just for the record; the shift cradle had slipped back towards the prop and out of view from where the shift linkage is inserted. With the gear oil holding it in place, I was certain it was missing. I sprayed the shift shaft dog with brake cleaner to help me see things clearly but it wasn't until days later (after I already bought another shift cradle) that the original cradle slipped back into a location where I could actually see it. All is well now. Case closed. Thanks