I did some more research on google for the Shift linkage rod adjustment heights. It says using a shift rod gauge P/N 389997 the rod height is 21.38" or 543 mm plus or minus a half turn to align the attachment yoke. I don't have or can buy this guage, but would like to know if the measurment is from the center of the hole, on the attachment yoke , to the Deck, or top of the rod to the deck?Hi Guys Thanks for the reply's.. Yes I had the LU off for new Seals and Water Pump. Anyone know the height of the rod and how and where is it measured from? If its the Deck Flange that bolts to the Engine, can it be measured on the outside? I recently purchased a supposedly a good used LU, but haven't done anything to it yet. I will probably reseal the gear case, and new pump and seals on top. Guess I need to pay attention to the Shift rod also. I do know a lot about the linkages, as I tore into the control box several times trouble shooting, and replacing nylon washers and worn parts.
Thanks Chris. Yes I'am an old Skier and had a 20' Rayson Craft with a 440 Chrysler Magnum Engine. It would pull 7 Skiers and give them all they wanted. Miss that old Boat.See if you can get it adjusted properly. If not, the shift dog/gears could be worn. Make sure you have a solid forward. You can milk your way thru reverse, if need be. Remember reverse should only be used at low speed. if you need it at high throttle to pull your butt out of trouble, you have not planned your approach, at least IMO.
I had an old Fat Fifty. I could get neutral and one gear, due to worn linkage (J/E are the "kings" of linkage, BTW) and worn gear/dog mating surfaces. I chose forward as my gear of choice and was real careful when docking/beaching etc. It is really not that much of an issue, once you get used to it.
Gears/dog were $300 ea for a 30+ year old motor, at that time. I thought that out of line, and if you ever had a Fatty, you would agree.
Of course, in those days we had water skis that had only the front binding and the real Salom toe piece. The rest had fallen/rotted off. So only two pieces of rubber holding your feet to the ski. So, when ready to ski, yell "hit it", and when the boat takes off, jam the ski on your front foot, drag the other one, and do a deep water start. Once up gingerly put your toe in the rear binding, or you will kick the ski off. Surprisingly, once up on those two pieces of rubber bindings, skiing is pretty normal. Off the subject, sorry.
Hi racerone Yes your probably right. I will experiment with the shift linkage first then the rod height. In the old'n days, seems like there was a count on the number of turns of the shift shaft after a rebuild of the LU. But I'am most likely a lot older than most here, and they wouldn't remember that. HaUsing the 21.38" dimension could cause you grief and cost you a lot of beer tokens.-----Best find the correct dimension for you motor !!!!
