35hp longshaft Evinrude

[MikeJN53]

I've got an issue trying to get the keeper from underneath the nut on the shift linkage on a long shaft motor. Can anybody give me some info on the best way to get it from underneath the nut? I'm trying to remove the lower unit to replace it. It's a 1984.

 

[Cofe]

Re: 35hp longshaft Evinrude

Grasp the nut with a pair of pliers and slide it up the shift rod. The plastic keeper has a vertical slit that you can spread open with a small flat blade screwdriver and then slide the keeper off. You may have to shift your motor into forward or reverse to get more room to work.

 

[MikeJN53]

Re: 35hp longshaft Evinrude

Apparently doing that and tapping the pliers and a flathead with a hammer against it to shift it upwards won't work. Any other ideas would be greatly appreciated!

 

[Cofe]

Re: 35hp longshaft Evinrude

That process is the way to get it off. You must have paint or corrosion on the shift rod, or the keeper has swelled up.
Use a little heat from a propane torch to burn off the paint or partially melt the keeper to let the nut slide up. Of course, a new keeper will be needed.

 

[MikeJN53]

Re: 35hp longshaft Evinrude

That'll work. I'll try that this week sometime! Thanks!