Re: 1959 Johnson V50 Outboard Bellcrak
How did you arrive at the diagnosis? Does it have slop and lost motion in the linkage?
OK, assuming you are right, be aware that worn out linkage will destroy the clutch dog and forward gear. Looking at it the other way, a worn out clutch dog and forward gear can destroy the linkage. So be prepared for the worst.
To replace the bellcrank indide the exhaust houosing:
Remove lower unit
Remove powerhead
Remove powerhead adapter
You can now access the bellcrank. If you need to get the shift shaft out, keep going and remove the lower mount bolts and take the exhaust housing out of the lower cover. Since you have come this far, you might as well pull the shift shaft out and replace the o-ring seal on it. Be sure to use a NEW lockplate on the bellcrank retaining screw. A drop of locktite wouldn't hurt too.