1960 5.5hp cd-17

[stepover55]

After reinstalling the powerhead, (changed the impeller), shifts into forward just fine, will hardly budge trying to shift into reverse. Didn't mess with the shift rod or the drive shaft when i pulled the lower end to change the impeller other than to disconnect then reconnect the linkage. To be honest, i didn't check to see how it shifted before hand. Something that needs looking into the gearcase about or does it need to be running to go into reverse?

[Solarman]

I'm confused, did you remove the power head? And the lower unit at same time?
Is it possible the shift linkage up top is binding? Should be able to shift without running motor. Or is it not going into reverse because the gears aren't lining up (might try turning prop a little while shifting).
Remember, if trying to turn over with rope starter, put in bucket of water, don't want to tear up new impeller running dry.
You may need to remove lower unit again to see if it shifts ok, you might have turned shift rod wrong way installing it? Out had in wrong position when reconnecting?

Post back if you find something. Good luck.