Yard-man #979 self-propelled mower-stuck in 2nd gear!!!

[sparking]

:angry: At mower--My 13 yr old nephew used my mower and after, could only use 5th and 6th gear (he likes those speeds!). If he shifted while moving, would that have caused a misalignment in gears?? I dismantled gear/cltch control assembly 6 times over the week-end. Now I am stuck in 2nd gear:sleeping: I am a self-taught home repair woman and can not figure out how the teeth and cutouts/recesses are suppose to line up/interact (3 pieces). And it didn't look like the gear cable laid in right-the collar ? did not lay in slot.
Would be great if I could see a diagram/pictures. Difficult to describe w/ only words. Of course I broke one of the plastic studs that secures assembly to handlebar. Any suggestions? Thanks

[barnard]

The speed changes are caused by a variable width (2 piece pulley). the two halves are brought closer together to increase the speed. THere could be some problems with this pulley or the actuating mechanism for it. It is on the bottom of the engine.

[barnard]

I forgot to mention ,shifting on the go will not cause any problems, so its probably nothing your nephew did.

[sparking]

Thanks Barnard for that response. I played with the pulley adjustment while disassembling tha controls. I'll work on it again. Thanks!!!