Shift rod/lever

[medic2051]

OK, so i replaced the water pump on my '75 johnson 50hp. I am trying to reassemble the lower unit to the exhaust housing. I have all the lower bolts on, I go to re-attach the shift rod to the lever, and the shift rod is about 1/2" short of where the bolt goes through!? Did I do something wrong? Is there some trick to getting the rod lined up and in the slot?<br />Help!

 

[nigelbear]

Re: Shift rod/lever

have you tried shifting it into gear

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: Shift rod/lever

Turn the prop and pull up on the shift rod

 

[ob]

Re: Shift rod/lever

What rickdb1boat and nigelbear said.You can either move the shift rod or the control lever.It is advisable any time that you disconnect and reconnect the shift linkage to readjust once repairs are complete.To adjust ,remove the shift cable clevis from the shift arm by removing its pin. Using the shift arm ,place the gearcase in neutral.Then ,place the control lever in the neutral position.The clevis and shift arm holes should line up.If they don't, make the necessary adjustment to the shift cable trunion until they do and reinsert cable clevis pin.

 

[medic2051]

Re: Shift rod/lever

If I drop the lower unit again, and give a tug on the shift rod, will it (should it) fit in the slot under the carbs when I put it back? That seem like the easiest way to go, as I haven't finished reinstalling the lower unit yet.<br /><br />I had quite a hard time with the last 2 inches or so when I first re-installed. Is that normal? I couldn't get the lower unit and exhaust to meet until I tightened the screws.

 

[Walker]

Re: Shift rod/lever

If you drop the L/U again and pull the shift rod up it will probably just get pushed back down when it hits the grommet at the pan. You can usually get to it just under the steering arm with a pair of long needlenose. Also 2" doesn't sound right at the bottom. I can usually get one within 1/4" if not all the way up. You must get the water tube into the water pump housing and you must get the splines on the drive shaft to align with the splines in the bottom of the crank. I'd drop the L/U and double check, especially the water tube.

 

[medic2051]

Re: Shift rod/lever

Thanks. I'll give it a shot.