'77 Merc 500, need help with backup latch rod

hotrod53

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Oct 16, 2009
Messages
508
I'm just about to fire this Merc for the first time in 12 years! Today as I was putting on the lower unit it was discovered that the backup larching rod is missing. I have had the lower unit off since last September so maybe I lost it...who knows!

Question, I have the brass piece that mounts with the cotter pin, I know that it has 5/16 x 24 thread, what I dont know is:
* how long is the rod, I guestimated 6"
* can I just buy a 5/16" x 6 bolt and cut off the head to make one?
* what does the bottom part that rides on the cam look like, a rounded head kind of like the end of a pushrod in an engine?
 
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