Johnson 50 Shift Rod Screw

[scamel]

I have a 1994 Johnson 50
I'm using my SELOC online manual to change my water pump. When removing the lower unit it says to remove the Shift Rod Screw. I cant find the screw anywhere. Can someone tell me where that thing is and if I need to remove anything else to get to it?

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Johnson 50 Shift Rod Screw

It is buried beneath the lower carb. It secures the shift rod that comes up from the lower unit to the shift linkage under the carb. If you still don't see it, have someone wiggle the shifter while you eyeball the linkage. It is much easier to reach if you remove the lower engine shroud.

 

[5150abf]

Re: Johnson 50 Shift Rod Screw

Yup that part of the job is a mojor PITA, it helps to pull the starter(disconnect battery first) then you will need a 1/4 drive with a long extension, memory serves it is an 11mm.

When you are puttin git back together on the front of the motor just above the lower unit there is a break in the case where you can get a pair of needle nose vise grips on the shift rod to move it up/down to line up the hole.

Be careful not to turn the shift rod after you remove the lower.

Good luck .

 

[scamel]

Re: Johnson 50 Shift Rod Screw

OK!...
Finally got the shift screw off and the lower unit off. I had to take the starter off and get to it from the port side. NOW....the shiifter was in reverse b/c it was easier to get to the screw. I noticed when I move the driveshaft the prop doen't move. How do I verify that the lower unit is in the correct gear before reinstaling? How do I shift the lower unit into reverse so it matches the gear shift? Is there anything special I should know?
Thaks for the help
Matt

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Johnson 50 Shift Rod Screw

you got it.

 

[F_R]

Re: Johnson 50 Shift Rod Screw

OK!...
Finally got the shift screw off and the lower unit off. I had to take the starter off and get to it from the port side. NOW....the shiifter was in reverse b/c it was easier to get to the screw. I noticed when I move the driveshaft the prop doen't move. How do I verify that the lower unit is in the correct gear before reinstaling? How do I shift the lower unit into reverse so it matches the gear shift? Is there anything special I should know?
Thaks for the help
Matt

Don't worry about what gear it is in. As mentioned earlier, you can move the rod up and down till it matches the hole, then insert screw. As long as you didn't turn the rod, it will be like it was before you took it apart.

 

[scamel]

Re: Johnson 50 Shift Rod Screw

If the shifter is in reverse then the lower unit should be in the same gear..right? Why does the prop shaft not turn when I turn the drive shaft?
FYI...I may have accidently turned the shift rod a little moving the lower unit and installing the pump.

I'm asking because I DO NOT want to reinstall with the lower unit in the wrong gear and have to take apart again...

Thanks for the help

 

[ezeke]

Re: Johnson 50 Shift Rod Screw

If you turn the driveshaft and the propshaft does not turn, you are in neutral.

The measured length of the shift rod is crucial. If you turn it, you must reset it to the correct length. The length will be specified in the last page of the gearcase section of your service manual.

 

[waterinthefuel]

Re: Johnson 50 Shift Rod Screw

I was about to say those 50's are a royal pain. My father has routinely changed the water pump on his outboards, including 70's, for decades. He thought he could do the same on his 55. He couldn't stab that f**king linkage back in to safe his neck, he ended up having to bring it somewhere. That is a horrible design!! A super reliable and good running engine, and powerful for it's size, but damn, that screw!!!!!

And ABSOLUTELY don't turn the shift rod or you will NEVER GET IT IN!!

Yup that part of the job is a mojor PITA, it helps to pull the starter(disconnect battery first) then you will need a 1/4 drive with a long extension, memory serves it is an 11mm.

When you are puttin git back together on the front of the motor just above the lower unit there is a break in the case where you can get a pair of needle nose vise grips on the shift rod to move it up/down to line up the hole.

Be careful not to turn the shift rod after you remove the lower.

Good luck .

 

[ezeke]

Re: Johnson 50 Shift Rod Screw

With the split lower engine cover, removing the port side lower cover makes the shift rod screw removal and replacement fairly easy.

 

[scamel]

Re: Johnson 50 Shift Rod Screw

Done...
Got her all back together with very little issues, started right up and pumped water great.
The easiest way to get the shift rod screw back on is using a u joint fitting and an extention with a ratchet. I used a piece of plastic bag jammed in the socket to secure the shift rod screw while attaching. The U joint fitting is key to this fix.

Thanks for the help