[BradWhitehead]

I was wondering what the proper shift rod length on a 1977 evinrude 85 model #85793s was. And also while i have the foot off can i use a waterhose to remove all the sand around the water pump or will it mix with the foot oil if i do.

[tashasdaddy]

hose it down, also back wash the water tube. 21 13/32 +- 1/32

[BradWhitehead]

how do you back wash the water tubese just stick a hose on them through the upper housing of the unit?

[ezeke]

The shift rod has no specific mesurement (except on the extra long shaft X models) and only the barrel swivel at the top is adjustable. Turn the swivel down until gently seated and back out no more that two 360 degree turns with the offset facing forward.

You can clear the lower unit with air or water as long as the waterpump is in place.

The best way to clear the water circuit is to loosen the water hoses at the base of the cylinder heads, then apply water at the water tubes. Since the water flows in different directions, you should stll inspect the thermostat.

[BradWhitehead]

offset as in rounded part or flat part. And how do you check the t-stat without taking it out. Because number one i dont know wher its at. And number two i really dont feel like taking it out cause that means thats one more thing that can get fu**** up.

[iwombat]

Technically that model has a vernatherm and not a t-stat. They rarely go bad, but it's not unheard of. You can skip it if you want. Just make sure it's not overheating when you get it on the muffs.

[ezeke]

Rounded face of the swivel barrel will be facing forward.

[BradWhitehead]

all i was asking is if the flat part went towards the front of the boat or the back but i think its the front thanks