When you dropped the foot.........do you have to take the shift linkage apart first? I think this is required on most engines. You may have reconnected this linkage differently than when you took it apart.
You may need to adjust this linkage to get it set correctly. Sounds like the shift rod need to be set to give you more movement to the "reverse" direction.
Look at the linkage and note where the "Lock" nut is located. Now try to move the shift lever to the reverse position. Which way did the shift rod move....probably downward.
To make the shift rod move farther toward the "reverse" postiton.....the rod needs to be adjusted so that it is a little longer.
Don't make very big adjustments to the linkage. The linkage must be set fairly exact or you will not "hit" the netural position. Once you think you have it set correctly, check to see if the prop will turn while it is in the netural position. After this test....have someone move the shift lever just a little and then turn the prop to see when the gear engages. Check this for forward and reverse, and make adjustments to find the middle of the netural.
One you have this set.....it is time to test it while the engine is running.
With the engine running [at the boat launch or with water hose connected].....try shifting to forward and reverse. Check to see if the gears are engaging proberly. If not, make small adjustments until you have it set where the shift lever "netural" in close to the same for engaging the forward and reverse.
If it is not set correctly......you will hear a little grinding noise and that is not good for the gears. Keep adjusting it, until you have it set correctly. Don't stop adjusting "when you have it close". If either the forward or reverse is still engaging when you first start to move the shift lever from neutral....it needs another adjustment.
The gears are expensive to replace......not to mention down time for fishing......spend a little while to get it set correctly.
I hope you understand this.....PM me if you would like to talk about this.
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