1998 Evinrude 25hp

[tluchterhandt]

From reading several posts, it looks like there are some very knowledgeable people on this forum and I sure could use some help, here's my problem...

1998 Evinrude 25hp E25TELECB

I decided to save $100.00 and R&R the impeller on this motor. I removed the lower unit after putting it in forward gear and separating the shift shaft coupler. The replacement went well. But after installing the lower unit, and putting the shift shaft coupler back together, the linkage will not go to the third position back which is reverse, and with the shift handle in neutral position it is still in gear (not sure which gear).
Is it possible that I turned the lower keeper nut on the linkage coupler up and this has the linkage out of whack? I was rushing to leave for work and may have turned the lower nut to couple the shaft, rather than hold it steady while tightening the top nut to it. any help would be appreciated.

[psteurer]

Yes, you are correct. You are not suppose to turn the lower keeper nut. Just turn the upper nut to tighten. If you turned the lower nut you likely got the shift linkage out of adjustment in the lower unit hub. I am not sure if there is an easy way to fix this other than trial and error. Maybe someone with more knowledge than me can give some better advice.

[tluchterhandt]

Thanks for the reply psteurer...
I'm always one first in line for trial and error
I ended up seeing if I could reverse what I had done by turning the lower shift rod nut and shaft back down into the gear case. I first loosened the upper nut quite a few turns. Then began turning the lower nut/lower shaft down, it turned down a few turns and then bottomed out. At that point I made sure it was tight on the bottom end and then held the lower nut not allowing it to turn, and tightened the upper nut. It worked!! Hopefully others will read and learn from this post the importance of not allowing the lower nut to turn while removing the upper one.