95 merc 8hp shift issue

[jamesbalog]

I just put the lower back on my 95 8hp merc. In neutral the prop spins freely like it should. In forward it also spins like it should. When I put it in reverse the prop will not spin, when putting any pressure on it the shift shaft starts to flex.

I’m planning on pulling it back apart tomorrow but before I do I figured I’d ask the experts what to look for


The motor is a tiller control

Thanks in advance