OMC problem again!

[macojoe]

1993 johnson 120 thois is the same motor with the water pump issue my buddy had. he got the lower unit off after using a pry bar, it was on there tuff! got the water pump all changed out and went to replace the lower unit. well after pushing it up he could not get it up enough for the bolts to reach. i told him that some motors need to be in N or R in order to go?? after that he said the shifter was hard to shift by hand with the lower off?? he got the lower unit on with some longer bolts, and says the shift rod is lined up, but it will not shift to any gear?? its stuck in N, i said i would ask the top guys here for him! thanks guys!!