bf8a lower unit

[ammo270]

trying to drop the lower unit, removed the 5 bolts, unit dropped 3 inches, seem to be hung up on shift linkage, how does the linkage disconnect? any help, thanks

 

[fritzmerde]

Re: bf8a lower unit

Apparently we're having the same problem with removing the lower unit. I can't see any way to disconnect the shift rod. I've looked through the manual, looked through the archives here, looked on you tube, ask, google, bing, & of course here. Is there some grand magical spell to release the lower unit? I'm really looking at this thing as a target in the backyard. Any luck so far? If I find some info I'll pass it on to you. This POS is getting old fast.
fritzmerde

 

[isaksp00]

Re: bf8a lower unit

If it is like my Honda B8FM, there is a "cap" at the top of the shift linkage rod, that connects the shifter handle to the rod. There's a clevis pin and cotter pin holding the cap to the end of the handle. You have to remove the cotter pin and clevis pin and then unscrew that cap from the threaded top end of the shifter rod. That cap is too large to fit through the leg.

Now, I have never actually removed that cap, as it is positioned to be a real PITA to unscrew without taking half of the stuff above it off. When I dropped mine to put in a new water pump impeller, I removed the clevis pin (which isn't too hard) and then was able to lower the leg enough to remove the impeller cover before it couldn't drop further. I don't know of any easy ways to unscrew the cap, but would sure like to hear of one.