lower unit on 1988 johnson 9.9

[Newyota]

With the lower unit off the motor is it normal that the lower shift rod can be moved slightly up and down, aliitle tug and it will pop up and stay or it can be pushed down.I was not sure where it should be when I put it all back together, but inorder for me to get the upper shift rod in the brass clamp I had to lift the lower shift rod to be in the up position.I am just not sure where it was when i took it apart since I had trouble getting the block apart from the upper shift rod.Also, on Leroys ramblings it said the lower unit should drop about 1/2 inch when the bolts are removed.Is the movement of the lower unit shift rod what gives you that 1/2 inch?That seems to be how much it moves up and down.Now that I have had it on the water it seems when I shift it from reverse to neutral is stays in reverse and I have to give it another little click towards forward for it to come out of reverse and I do not remember if it did this before.The motor was new to me and so is working on these.thanks

 

[oldcatamount]

Re: lower unit on 1988 johnson 9.9

Being able to move the "lower"shift rod is totally normal. When you move the rod up, it's in reverse, when you move it down it's in neutral, one more click down and it's in forward. You may have to turn the prop a bit to get it to shift to all three locations. The end of the shift rods have a groove in them to receive the small bolt that holds the clamp. When re-installing, be sure the grooved part is in the clamp far enough so the bolt fits through the groove, Doing that will insure it's together right.

 

[Newyota]

Re: lower unit on 1988 johnson 9.9

thanks.I did have the unit apart so I was aware of the grooves in the shafts after struggling to slide the upper shaft out with the bolt just loose.I think everything is ok after you described the action and postions of the rods.I just did not remember feeling the click of it going into the three positions before I took it apart.