1985 15hp evinrude l/U assembly

[zadodja]

Good Afternoon,
I just replaced the water pump on a 1985 15hp Evinrude. I removed the shifter shaft along with the lower unit. This was done by removing the pin where the shift rod connects under the carb. Does anyone know any tricks to get this back in ? I tried for about an hour and just cant seem to get it back where it has to be. I have read that I should have been able to get to the lower shift rod bolts but I just dont see any way to do that so I am trying to assemble it the same way I removed it. Any help would be much appreciated.

 

[Chinewalker]

Re: 1985 15hp evinrude l/U assembly

Is there a connector down below at the lower unit? If so, remove one of the bolts in the connector & remove the upper shift rod. Then re-install the shift rod in the upper link. Then re-install the lower unit, reattaching the shift rod connector to the bottom of the upper rod...

 

[zadodja]

Re: 1985 15hp evinrude l/U assembly

Thanks, yes there is a connection at the bottom but I am worried that there would be enough room to get to it to tighten it after the top pin is back in the shift rod. I think I am going to see if I can use some sort of snake(wire) to guide the shaft as I install the lower unit. If that doesnt work I will have to take a chance and do what you suggest. I was just hoping there was a trick some one may have found. Thanks again for you reply, I'll let you know how it ends up.

 

[Chinewalker]

Re: 1985 15hp evinrude l/U assembly

If the lower unit shift rod is pulled upwards and the upper shift rod is moved downwards (forward on the handle, I think), then you should have plenty of access to reconnect the shift rod coupling.

 

[mikesea]

Re: 1985 15hp evinrude l/U assembly

you did it the HARD WAY.There is an opening left between the lower and midsection which allows for removal/installation of the shiftshaft bolt.There are 2 of those bolts 7/16 head.The trick there is to be SURE the notch in the shaft is aligned with the hole in the connector to allow the bolt to slide in with no issues.A tool grabber or long nosed pliers ,or a socket with grease in it help to get the bolt in.Make sure you dont put too much force to tighten,the connector is brass and strips easily

 

[zadodja]

Re: 1985 15hp evinrude l/U assembly

Yup, I'm sure I did it the hard way. I did see that there would be just enough room if it were in the correct position( Forward I beleive). It wasnt easy but I did manage to feed some wire I had laying around from a suspended ceiling project and I was able to guide the rod right up to where it came from with the help of my wife. I should have asked earlier or purchased the manual but this is a one time deal I'm doing for friend. I appreciate your replies, this forum is awesome.
With the help I can find on this forum I might even attemp to replace the water pump on my 1973 slick craft strigner electric shift 800.
Thanks again....