87 Johnson 88 HP SPL Shift Rod help

[jerryny]

Ok, I was able to remove the lower unit on my 87 88 HP Spl motor. I rebuilt the water pump and am now having problems putting it back together. I put it all back together and after installing it back together I was unable to get the linkage to connect with the shift rod. May it got turned?? . I was hoping for a picture to show me what the shift rod looks like right before sliding it back together. This way I will know that I have the rod turned in the right direction so that the linkage pin can grab the hole in the top of the shift rod. Thanks in advance for any help/advice.

Jerry

 

[durban]

Re: 87 Johnson 88 HP SPL Shift Rod help

the shift rod does have a curve \bend at the top , screw the bottom end into the gear case , the curve end face it to carburetors , now to line it up with the gear lever i thread thin fishing line the from port side through the first hole in the gear lever then through the hole in the gear rod & then the other hole in the gear lever , on the starboard side tie the line to the bottom of the thread on the screw pull the line from the port side & it line the holes up & the tapper d end of the screw goes into the hole , i do it like this cause you cannot get your hands in there .

 

[emdsapmgr]

Re: 87 Johnson 88 HP SPL Shift Rod help

You can see the factory exploded parts diagram at this website: epc.brp.com. It shows the shift lever. My 86 service manual shows the shift rod height for a 20" transom height is 21 27/32". It's likely that the height is the same for your 87. This measurement is taken from the top of the gearcase to the centerline of the shift rod hole. Once you have the gearcase in place, you can maneuver the shift rod slightly with a screwdriver inserted at the top of the swivel bracket.

 

[jerryny]

Re: 87 Johnson 88 HP SPL Shift Rod help

Thanks all. Plan to give it another try as soon as I get time. Darn life keeps getting in the way of boating. lol