Shift rod problems 90 HP Johnson

[npd4432]

I just replaced my water pump with a brp water pump kit with no problems when re installing the lower unit I cannot for the life of me get the shift rod to line up with the linkage. Are there any tips or tricks to do this??? My motor is a 2000 Johnson 90 HP J90VLSSS. I do have the OMC service manual and have followed it step by step but it is vague in this area. It has taken me 5 times longer to try to line up the rod then it did to replace the impeller and housing. Help please.................

[tashasdaddy]

remove starter and bottom carb, makes it a lot easier. also reach in (needle nose vice grips) and pull the shift rod all the way up. also remove control cables, then you can slide the shift linkage to the starboard side to help line up. it is much easier with 2 people.

[npd4432]

Should the offset on the top of the rod be facing toward the front of the boat or toward the rear?

[npd4432]

????

[gsyfishy]

Should face toward front, alot of times when feeding shift rod and driveshaft up, the shift rod will get pushed into reverse, I know not much room down there, worse come to worse get someone to pull shifter into reverse while you try to line up eyehole.

[tashasdaddy]

off set to front. i feel for you i cannot do one alone.

[npd4432]

will be getting some help today, I hope it gets done smoothly.

I read in a post from last year that taking off the bottom cover will help, any comments.

[tashasdaddy]

don't. you can get it.

[npd4432]

don't. you can get it.

Thanks for the encouragement Tash, got it done in about 10 minutes with the correct information.