Re: 1959 Evinrude 5.5 no neutral?

[Don]

Rob-
Tightening the locknuts more on top of the shift rod would only move the shift lever/handle in one direction or the other. There is no detent on the shift handle lever itself that would hold the shift rod slightly in/out of gear. The detent is in the gearcase. Again, if something is binding in the shift lever/bellcrank, that may cause the problem you are describing. Did you replace the shift rod bushing/oring? If so, I am assuming you removed the shift rod bushing in the gearcase. It may be possible that the shift rod is binding in the shift rod/bushing which could cause the symptom you are experiencing as well.
You mention that this problem did NOT exist before you dismantled the gearcase. You may not have gotten the clutch dog cradle and fork improperly positioned. Did you get both of the forward reverse gear thrust washers back in place? These washers tend to stick in place due to the oil film present between the gear and washer, they can fall out during parts cleaning though. If one or both of these washers were missing, the clutch dog positioning would be off and might cause the problem you are having as well.
Unfortunately, one thing is for sure, running the engine with the gearcase improperly assembled will create more damage, especially to the clutch dog and gear lugs.