1996 Evinrude 88HP SPL - Remove Lower Unit - How to disconnect shift rod? [PICS]

[SeaBisket]

Hello,

I have a 1996 Evinrude 88HP SPL Model: E88TSLEDR motor. I want to service the water pump and I am having trouble removing the lower unit - specifically disconnecting the shift rod.

I have the SELOC manual, and it states that the procedure differs for 60-degree, 90-degree, loopers, and cross-flows.

For one type of motor, it says shift to REVERSE, for the other type of motor is says to shift it into FORWARD.

Question #1: What kind of motor is the one listed above? I am pretty sure it's a 90-degree (block looks like 90-degrees) cross-flow (has 2 hatches in the rear + starboard trim control). Can you guys confirm what kind the motor is?

Question #2: How do you disconnect the shift rod? I had seen vids that had the rod on the port side, but everything points to it being on the right side. I have some pics of where the linkage connects:

Pic 1 shows where the shift link first attaches (starboard):

Pics 2 and 3 show where the shift link attaches at a lower point (starboard):

I thought that pics 2 & 3 showed the connection to the lower unit's shift rod, but I am not sure. I expected a straight rod protruding up into the upper. This one is not so clear.

Please let me know if I am on the right track and simply need to disconnect the link connection @ pics 2 and 3.

Thank you very much!

 

[SeaBisket]

Found these links which I am digging into:

http://forums.iboats.com/forum/engin...ot-disengaging

http://continuouswave.com/ubb/Forum3/HTML/002930.html

These state that it is likely the cotter pin connection shown in pics 2 & 3. I did not disconnect any linkage components yet. I did pull the lower unit bolts and they had anti seize on them so that was nice.

 

[Chinewalker]

Remove that silver clip. Push the shift arm inwards to release the shift rod.

 

[SeaBisket]

Chinewalker - Thanks!

Any confirmation that this is a 90-degree cross flow? If so, I think SELOC book says to shift into REVERSE prior to removal. I wanted to confirm which gear to leave it in prior to removal.

 

[Chinewalker]

Yes, it's a crossflow motor. Reverse pushes the shift rod down all the way, but doesn't make much difference either way. Easy enough to set the shift in reverse for reassembly.

 

[SeaBisket]

Thank you again! Consider this resolved!

 

[SeaBisket]

Unfortunately, I had no luck in removing the lower unit yet. I pulled the pin, but could not get anything moving to remove the linkage.

I found this video which clearly shows what is supposed to happen: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P2peQvMPK_g

This video shows what is supposed to move when the pin is removed. I will try again with this newfound knowledge.

 

[racerone]

You have to push that shaft to the port side of the motor and the shift rod is disconnected.---Nothing to it.

 

[SeaBisket]

You have to push that shaft to the port side of the motor and the shift rod is disconnected.---Nothing to it.

You mean the shaft that the cotter pin is going through, correct? This should slide PORT? I had no luck the last time I'd tried.

I know this is one of those things that are just a pain to get the first time. I looked @ the exploded parts diagram to get a sense of what it's going into, etc.. Just not getting it yet.

To clarify more: Nothing else comes off / out to release the gearcase shift rod from the top of the motor? If that shaft slides to PORT, then the rod to the gearcase is free? I'd really like to see how the gearcase rod marries up to the shift linkage.. I'm just not seeing it in my head yet.

 

[racerone]

Not sure why this needs to be repeated.----That hitch pin comes out.----Then the shaft that the hitch pin went through is pushed to the port side.----Now shift rod is disconnected.--Simple

 

[SeaBisket]

I don't mind asking for clarifications. Please be patient. You answered my question perfectly. You know how it is when it's your first time doing stuff and things just don't go the way they are described.. That's where I am at. I'll try all the stuff from above. The boat's 2 hrs away, so I don;t get the benefit of real-time questions and answers. Thanks again. I'll try again.

 

[SeaBisket]

No problem getting it out this time. Thanks for the information. It was as easy as stated.. Pull clip, push shift lever in, drop unit.

 

[SeaBisket]

I had a little trouble getting the lower unit's shift rod to hook up. What I assumed was that I could place the lower unit into place, with the shift rod position matching the position of the linkage (forward, neutral, reverse) and then just pull the link back into place to engage the shift rod to lever connection.

I found that the rod did not line up. Luckily, I was able to see the rod's end (and eye hole) under the powerhead and guide it into place with long screwdrivers, etc.

This other thread http://forums.iboats.com/forum/engi...p-shift-rod-disconnect-for-lower-unit-removal explains much of what I wished I knew before trying. Understanding how the rod engages is key. This helps to explain why pushing in the linkage disconnects the shift rod.

The good news is, is that for this model, it's pretty easy to get it out, replace shift shaft seals, drive shaft seal, and water pump, and place it back in. The whole deal should be an hour, with maybe some extra time for pressure and vac testing..

Thanks for all the help!