1982, 35HP Lower unit philips screw; ? re-insert ?

[D. Branson]

On my 1982, 35Hp Johnson lower unit... I removed a small philips-head screw/pin located right next to the oil drain hole. I can't get it back into the hole...is there a trick to it or does the gear case have to come apart?

 

[ob]

Re: 1982, 35HP Lower unit philips screw; ? re-insert ?

Unless you are real lucky and can realign the pivot hole of the shift lever with an awl type tool ,then you'll unfortunately have to remove and disassemble the lower unit to realign.

 

[steelespike]

Re: 1982, 35HP Lower unit philips screw; ? re-insert ?

It may be good news you can't get the screw back in. It may mean the shift pivot is slightly missalligned.You may be able to solve it with careful minipulation of an awl or ice pick.A blow up the gearcase might help you visualise what you are dealing with.

 

[D. Branson]

Re: 1982, 35HP Lower unit philips screw; ? re-insert ?

It may be good news you can't get the screw back in. It may mean the shift pivot is slightly missalligned.You may be able to solve it with careful minipulation of an awl or ice pick.A blow up the gearcase might help you visualise what you are dealing with.

 

[D. Branson]

Re: 1982, 35HP Lower unit philips screw; ? re-insert ?

Thank You ob and steelespike for the replies. I'll give the icepick a try today...and yes, I AM the fool without a manual...

 

[robot]

Re: 1982, 35HP Lower unit philips screw; ? re-insert ?

you've managed to remove the screw that is the pivot point for the shift lever. you'll need to fix that.

if you look at the screw you removed, you will see that it probable only threaded towards the head

if you use a awl, dental pick, or something else, you may be able to manipulate the shift lever enough to see the hole in the shift lever that will allow you to put the screw back in. if not, if you remove the rest of the bottom screws that cracks open the lower gearcase housing, you'll figure out what you've done real quickly, but I'd work with that awl for a while, before going whole hog on the lower unit.

you might be able to get some movement of the shift lever by jiggling the f/n/r. good luck.

 

[F_R]

Re: 1982, 35HP Lower unit philips screw; ? re-insert ?

Look in the hole. If you can manipulate the lever enough to be able to see even half of the hole, you can get the pin in. Grind or file a slight taper on the end of the pin and then insert it so the pointy end goes in the half-hole, then rotate it while pushing in gently. It should drag the holes in alignment and slip on in.

Tearing the gearcase apart is a last resort.