Installing lower unit on 1982 Evinrude 115

I removed the lower unit on my 1982 Evinrude 115 for the first time this week to service the water pump. In my manual it says to "simply" remove the starter motor to access the bolt(s) on the coupler at the top of the shifter cable. These are the only bolts inside the motor that were required to be removed in order to drop the lower unit. They were incredibly hard to get to and caused me more grief than I was prepared for. They are under the lower carburetor and extremely hard to reach.

I have finished my repair to the water pump and was wondering if someone could offer me advice on reconnecting the shifter cable inside the motor? Any tips/ tricks to reconnecting it? Are there other parts I should remove to make the job easier? Any special tools?

If you can offer me some help, I would greatly appreciate it.

-John

Re: Installing lower unit on 1982 Evinrude 115

If you find it too difficult to get to the connector under the carbs, just remove the lower carb or both, but is not needed.

Re: Installing lower unit on 1982 Evinrude 115

A 1/4" socket drive set with a swivel may be helpful. The difficult thing is to rethread the screw back into the clevis-through the shift rod. It is helpful to have the lower unit and the clevis in gear (I forget if it is forward or reverse) to the clevis/screw is most visible/accessible. You may need to move the shift rod slightly to line it up so the screw will go through. You can move that shift rod slightly by accessing it with a lever/bar from under the lower cowling where it goes through the swivel bracket. Some skinned knuckles and a few choice words are usually involved in this task.

Re: Installing lower unit on 1982 Evinrude 115

I used a long screwdriver with the bolt held on with painters tape on my 200. If it doesnt slide thru, then yes you need to twist the rod from underneath or slightly move the shifter to align linkage. An extra set of hands is helpful. I barely cussed..much..under my breath.

Re: Installing lower unit on 1982 Evinrude 115

With a long 1/4" extension and a swivel socket (as mentioned) you really don't have to remove anything. But before putting it back on make sure your shift rod height is set right.