Stuck driveshaft

[alain]

Hi, i brought an SE116 lower unit from a third party. I'm new to Mercruiser outdrive. So, i tried to turn the driveshaft by hand and it won't turn. I also tried to engage the gear and it won't either. Is something wrong with my lower unit or is it normal. Does the upper and lower unit have to be bolted together before the driveshaft will turn?
Thanks

[Tech Support]

The driveshaft is difficult to turn by hand. You can remove the water pump housing and impeller to make it easier. You should be able to shift from forward to reverse by turning the prop shaft in the appropriate direction.

Tech Support