85hp johnson shift rod disconnect...?

[iRich]

Hi all, Well I want to replace my water pump now and have everything loose, I just can't see how to get to the shift rod disconnected at the top. The manual isn't much help except to say remove a screw or clip...I see no way to get to it without removing the carbs. Does this sound right? Or am I overlooking something? It is a 1975 85hp johnson. btw, The shifter is in reverse...Thanks,<br /><br />Rich

 

[Hooty]

Re: 85hp johnson shift rod disconnect...?

Yep. That sounds right OK. The screw can be gotten to without removing the carb but it's a chore. Actually, removing the carb is not that big a deal.<br /><br />c/6<br /><br />Hooty

 

[iRich]

Re: 85hp johnson shift rod disconnect...?

O.K. Trere is no screw on this motor. The shift rod screws into a thingamajig that is connected the the shift mechanism somehow. The thingamajig has to be unscrewed from the shift rod or it can't pass through the hole. The clymer says just disconnect a clip and that's it. Does anyone have a shop manual that tells the correct procedure? I should know better than to buy clymer manuals by now...that is the second one I have bought and they are pretty much useless.<br /><br />Thanks,<br />Rich

 

[Walker]

Re: 85hp johnson shift rod disconnect...?

My guess is a 1985 will have a bolt thruough the linkage connector under the carb, but Look on the starboard side of your motor where all the shift cables and linkge hook together. If there is a clip thru the shift rod where its mounts and pivots on the block then pull that pin, push the rod towards to center of the motor and rotate the rod. I have much better luck with the cables disconnected first. If there is no clip then there should be a bolt under the bottom carb.

 

[seahorse5]

Re: 85hp johnson shift rod disconnect...?

The 1975 motors have a hydraulically assisted shifting gearcase. Use a 5/8" wrench or flex socket to back out the bolt almost all the way. The 2 bell-crank lever halves will separate and one of them has the pin that goes thru the shift rod fitting. Once they are free of the shift rod, remove the gearcase.

 

[Walker]

Re: 85hp johnson shift rod disconnect...?

Seahorse is right. I don't know where I got the idea it was a 1985 model.

 

[iRich]

Re: 85hp johnson shift rod disconnect...?

Hi seahorse, That sounds like my setup. I will give it a try tomorrow. I assume the little ball screwed into the end of the shiftrod comes out with the shiftrod? I'm also going to look for a manual just for my engine. These clymers just don't cut it. Thanks again,<br /><br />Rich

 

[seahorse5]

Re: 85hp johnson shift rod disconnect...?

The fitting on the top of the shift rod comes out with the gearcase, then can be unscrewed from the rod. Normally you do not have to touch it. Make sure the plastic bushing inside the fitting is in good shape. If you have a saltwater motor, corrosion builds up inside the steering tube and makes it difficult to remove the gearcase with the fitting scraping the builtup rust away.