120 shift rod magic

[bbach]

I dropped the lower unit on my Johnson 120. When reinstalling it, it seems like the shift rod is binding where it goes through the hole just before connecting to the shifter. Eventually I got it to all line up but it seemed to be a royal pain. Any tips to make it easier? For example, should the engine be tilted up or down? -- Bud

 

[bbach]

Re: 120 shift rod magic

Ooops! 1986 if that matters.

 

[Dhadley]

Re: 120 shift rod magic

With the unit off look up the mid section with a flashlight. If the holes dont line up you may have salt build up in the lower motor mounts. It will also be harder to shift.

 

[bbach]

Re: 120 shift rod magic

I haven't had time to take this apart again but when I do, is there an easy way to clean this out without taking to much apart?