Lower unit removal

[KrazyAboutTin]

Hi there!.
I am about to replace my E-75 2011 water pump and such.
I learned that to remove the lower unit the motor must be engage on reverse.
The motor is disconnected from the boat 's linkage and I have no clue of how to engage reverse.
I tried to move the lever to no avail.
Is this really necessary in order to remove the lower unit?
Thanks

 

[Pappy]

Can you be more specific about what engine you are working on?

 

[KrazyAboutTin]

Oh!, sorry!
Evinrude ETEC 75 HP 2011
I am following this video tutorial:

First time dropping lower unit and changing water pump: Advice needed

Hello All! My dealer has a 4 week lead time to do my 300 hour service on a 75 etec. Time for me to man up and learn to do it on my own. I am pretty good at fixing and repairing items and I'd call myself at least a moderate skill level. Welding, etc all in my tool belt. That being said I do not...

www.etecownersgroup.com

My motor has been "resting" for some years( around 5 years my guess). The gear mechanism is kind of stuck in neutral. I tried to change
gears manually(the motor is not on the boat), but it does not moove to forward or reverse. I am afraid of yanking it too hard. I don't want to break anything.
Do I have to engage the motor in reverse to be able to remove the lower unit?
I am a bit confused.
Thanks