Shifting rod coupler Johnson 15hp

[Jmac870]

Hey guys changed the impeller on my 2000 Johnson's 15hp last night. It's the second time I have done it since I bought the motor used. Everything went smooth until I tried to get the lower section of shift rod into the coupler, it seems I can't fit a screwdriver in to turn the screw. I don't remember having any issues with this last time. Any help or tricks would be appreciated

 

[racerone]

Bring the shift rod all the way down from the top.--------Bring the shift rod all the way up from the bottom.-------That should give you enuff room to work.--------Make sure the hole in the coupler is perfectly lined up with the notch in the rod before you put the bolt in.

 

[oldboat1]

I like to take a screwdriver blade and open up the coupler just a little before trying to reassemble -- sometimes have trouble easily getting the rod to slide all the way in so the notch lines up with the hole. It's probably a very slight misalignment when that happens, but opening up the coupler a little seems to help.