Shift rod height for a Frankenstein Evinrude

[redfishsc]

My "new to me" 1980 Evinrude 70hp has never shifted properly into reverse. I found out why when I replaced the water pump impeller. Turns out the lower unit is off an older motor, it has the spline type half-circle key rather than the wedge key a true 1980 would.

When I put a new impeller on I obviously accidentally altered the shift rod length even worse because now I can't get forward or reverse, it just bucks and kicks.

So, my question is, how do I know what the shift rod height SHOULD be? I don't know what year the lower unit fits. Should I use the year of the upper unit (1980), lower unit (pre-78, unknown), or somewhere in between?

I'm trying to avoid having to remove and reinstall the foot a dozen times to test this.

 

[racerone]

Try 21 23/32" used from 78 on.

 

[redfishsc]

Ok, did this today. It was 1 turn off. Boat shifts forward great, reverse doesn't contact properly, it bucks out pretty much immediately, over and over.

It holds so weakly that I'm a little skeptical that the shift rod length is the issue

I'm going to search for the rod height of the older lower units and try again but I may have a wore out boss in the foot.

 

[racerone]

What is different on your motor that makes it a " frankenstein ? ??---Does the lower unit shift to forward with an UP motion of the shift rod ?------Set it at 21-23/32" -------Measured in neutral to center of the hole.-----If it does not shift correctly then take the lower unit apart for inspection !!

 

[redfishsc]

I covered most of that in the op. The lower unit is off an older engine . It's painted a different color and the driveshaft has the type of water pump key found on a 1976ish model. I know the upper unit was rebuilt at some point because the pistons have 030 on them, obviously bored out. So heaven only knows who rebuilt it or what the lower unit came off of.

The engine itself isn't original to the boat either, it's several years older. The wiring job on the engine swap was kinda shoddy (electric tape everywhere) so I'm fixing that as well.

But long story short I'm suspicious that the shift cables are out of adjustment. When I got the boat, it shifted into reverse very iffy. I adjusted the shift cables at that point and got it fairly good but still would kick out once in a while.

I'm hoping the shift dog or reverse down in the lu isn't shot. As you suggested, this will be my next attempt.

 

[Zchef]

Try 21 23/32" used from 78 on.

Hi Racerone....I have 1999 Johnson 90hp...would that shift rod dimension be used for mine also? I cant find it anywhere without buying the manual...thanks

 

[racerone]

Why would you want to use a 70 HP dimension on your 90 HP.-----Just post your model # or describe your engine.-----Is it a 60 degree carbureted ?

 

[Zchef]

Why would you want to use a 70 HP dimension on your 90 HP.-----Just post your model # or describe your engine.-----Is it a 60 degree carbureted ?

Im not...I was looking for a forum talking about rod adjustments and posted here...Model # J90PLSSE. Thanks

 

[racerone]

Try 21-1/4" for your motor.----Are you aware of how to measure this ??

 

[Zchef]

Try 21-1/4" for your motor.----Are you aware of how to measure this ??

I know how to measure just needed the spec...TY much...