Re: How to pull lower unit 1981 35hp Evinrude
(Shift Connector W/Plastic Keeper Lock)
(J. Reeves)
This pertains to the various horsepower engines that have the shift connector hidden in back of the water pickup screen of the lower unit.
Remove the screws that retain the plastic water screens. Unscrew the 7/16" couplings that will be revealed there.
Slide the top coupling screw upwards to reveal the plastic beveled shift keeper, hereafter simply called a keeper . That plastic keeper has a split in it. Carefully widen that split and remove that keeper.
Put the shift handle in a position whereas the shift rod will be drawn upwards so that you can remove the top retaining nut. That's it. Remove all of the lower unit retaining bolts and the lower unit should drop away.
Make a note of which way the smaller portion of that plastic keeper faces (upwards). To install, simply reverse the above process.