I can't separate the lower unit - 1973 135hp

[morrocco mole]

1973 Evinrude 135 HP (I have a book but it does not help enough).

I need to replace the impeller and it's my first time at giving it a try. I have all the bolts out and the lower unit drops about 1/4 inch or so but it will not separate. I need help.

Thanks
MM

 

[Joe Reeves]

Re: I can't separate the lower unit - 1973 135hp

Disconnect the shift rod linkage that's located under the bottom carburetor.

 

[morrocco mole]

Re: I can't separate the lower unit - 1973 135hp

Thank Joe! I will look for this in that location. I was told by a friend that lower unit would separate just enough for me to un-do a cotter pin holding it together.
Now I can't to give this a try!

 

[mitchell6]

Re: I can't separate the lower unit - 1973 135hp

make sure you don't turn the leanage ajustment after you get the lower unit off or you will have all kind of trouble reconnecting it back up.

 

[Joe Reeves]

Re: I can't separate the lower unit - 1973 135hp

The 1973 shift rod had the barrel type connector attached to the top of the shift rod. Simply screw it down all the way, then back it up so that that the upright faces in the proper direction.

 

[morrocco mole]

Re: I can't separate the lower unit - 1973 135hp

I looked at undoing the linkage today and it seems like this is no easy task. I do not see a place under the carbs to do anything. I can see the link that moves when I move the throttle but there is very little room under the carbs to do anything. Any suggestions because I could not find any help in the book for this motor? I may just send her to the shop again.

 

[Joe Reeves]

Re: I can't separate the lower unit - 1973 135hp

Under the bottom carburetor is an expression as the linkage is in that area. It does not mean directly under the carburetor.

Follow the shift linkage cable at the engine.... what it is connected to.... two flat arms that go up and down when you shift the engine which are connected to the powerhead with a 3/4" hex head shoulder bolt, and also a 3/8" lock not on one end.

Remove the shift cable, the 3/8" nut, and that 3/4" hex head bolt. Now, remove those two flat brackets from the shift rod barrel. THat releases the shift rod. Note that there is a nylon bushing in that shift rod barrel.... and it must be there on re-assembly to enable proper shifting.

 

[Walker]

Re: I can't separate the lower unit - 1973 135hp

I think your motor has that "scissor" type connection for the shift rod. Look at the front lower block on the starboard side where the shift linkage pivots up and down. There is a 5/8" bolt head through the linkage. Loosen that bolt about 1/2" and spread the 2 linkage pieces to release the shift rod. If you still cannot understand then pull the bottom carb off so you can see the shift rod and figure it out from there.

 

[dsinger]

Re: I can't separate the lower unit - 1973 135hp

You also have to loosen the nut that holds the cable to the shift rod to get the scissor that it seperate.