Re: 1959 Evinrude 5.5 no neutral?

[tworivers]

Trying to answer your questions;
I live near Pittsburgh, PA.
It doesn’t seem like the shift rod is binding as it’s easy to shift with the shift lever.
I’ll disassemble again and tap with a rubber mallet and note the position of the shift dog.
I don’t remember force shifting but the metal fork linkage and or the shift rod itself may have become distorted while removing it from the original bushing?
Thank you for your response.
Still at it.
One question:
Three is an ear or tab on the front gearcase shaft bearing. It seems to be able to lock in either up or down directions. Does it lock into the mid section or the gear cover?
rob