2001 KX250 Shift drum/star question

[tbh3119]

Hello guys, I am rebuilding a 2001 KX250 engine for a bike I got a super deal on. I am new to the KX line up. My question is this. I pulled the halves back together, crank spins fine, transmission shafts spin fine and the shifter drum turns fine without the external shifter mechanism installed. Can you, in a way, install a shifter drum incorrectly? With the grooves in it and the spacing and what not it looks like one of those parts that if you get it in place correctly then you're good to go. It did move the shifter forks and gears around, saw that before I sealed the case. Im just worried because once I put the external shifter stuff on, i.e. pawls and compression lever arm, shifting through the gears doesn't always work perfectly. Thanks for any help. Can take pictures if needed.

[Candyman]

Hmmmm.
never tried to install one incorrectly to see if it would still work.
maybe someone else did it accidentally.
Pics always help.
Did you measure the drum slots and the diameter of the mating fork rods?
And... do you have a service manual for the correct specs?

[tbh3119]

I downloaded a service manual. I did not measure the shifter fork pins or the grooves in the drum to see if they were still within the service limits. I just inspected it for damage or abnormal wear. The service manual said nothing about a special way to install the drum. No diagrams on if it should be clocked a certain way or if shift fork pins go in certain places. When I put it back together it looked and physically seemed like it could only go back in one way but I figured Id ask and see if someone knew for sure.

[Candyman]

Yeah.... either it works for me or it doesn't.
I start with it set in neutral and go from there.