Easy Impeller Question (I hope) 1975 50 HP 'Rude

[thunnus69]

I'm a newbie with my first boat. Recently bought an evirude 1975 50hp and am trying to change the impeller. I have all 4 screws off holding the lower unit including the two screws near the trim tab. It drops about 1/4 of an inch and stops. I figured the shift linkage needs to be disconnected but can't figure out how to do this. My manual does not provide me with enough detail for my model/ year, youtube offers videos of similar models but clearly different than mine. Could someone please provide me with some details on how to dissengage the shift rod or let me know what needs to be done to finish dropping the lower unit. All screws have been properly greased and have come off easily which leads me to believe the person who owned this motor before me took care of it.
Thanks in advance.
-Joe

 

[Watermann]

Re: Easy Impeller Question (I hope) 1975 50 HP 'Rude

Hi Joe and welcome aboard! Hit the easy button on this one. Your set up is like my 1977 Johnson. You have to disconnect the starter and unbolt it to be able to get to the bolt that holds the shift rod onto the linkage. It's completely at the bottom of the crankcase hidden behind the starter. I have to use a 1/4 drive u-joint with extension to get to mine, they are not the easiest to remove but it's not too bad. I can't remember but I think it's either 3/8" or 7/16" socket. Be sure to not twist that shift rod either once it's out, it will throw your shift rod height out of adjustment.

 

[thunnus69]

Re: Easy Impeller Question (I hope) 1975 50 HP 'Rude

Ghan?s Watermann. You'd think they would have made this a little easier to do. When you say don't twist the shirt rod what are you refering to? Thanks again.

 

[Watermann]

Re: Easy Impeller Question (I hope) 1975 50 HP 'Rude

The shift rod screws down into the gear case and if you spin it in or out then you will make the throw of the rod out of adjustment and you won't be able to shift into or out of a gear and have to remove the lower again to set the rod to the correct height.