removing lower unit...whats the trick???

[divo]

1995 85 horse johnson. J85ttleo. v4

I have factory shop manual. I am doing a water pump change. Did step by step from manual but unit only drops about an inch. I think the shift rod is catching. The manual says to shift into reverse, then pull the retaining pin from the shift lever. push the shift lever towards the powerhead.(before removing bolts) This is a tiller motor. I put in reverse, pull the pin which disconnest the shift lever...pushinh it back does nothing. I atempted to push back the cam that the shift lever ataches to, but that doesnt want to move and dont want to force it without knowing. How do I disengage the shift rod?

Thanks

 

[gyoung]

Re: removing lower unit...whats the trick???

Sounds like it's the same setup as my 1985 70hp.

Pull the pin where the shift lever axle pivots. This allows you to push the axle in towards the engine, not back. Ie push from starbord to port.

Push it in about 1/2 inch and gently rotate the shift level clockwise. you can feel if it has disengaged as there is no resistance on it.

Good luck!

 

[divo]

Re: removing lower unit...whats the trick???

I just looked at it again....there is no other pin. I dont see how the axle will push. This is a tiller model and the mechanism looks nothing like the pic in the factory shop manual. If i look under and behind the powerhead there is a hole there where i can see (way in there) that the shift rod is bolted to something. Though tricky..i could get that bolt out and release the shift rod....I dont see how else to do it. I am going to look at the parts diagrams on the brp site now and that might give me a clue.

Thanks

 

[gyoung]

Re: removing lower unit...whats the trick???

Ok divo. Sorry I couldn't help. I thought I would give it a try as no one else had replied.

Mine does look like it is bolted on also. I can't see the actual release as it is hidden under the bottom carburator.

Mine is remote controlled and I have to remove the throttle linkage to push the axle in far enough to disengage. Check to see if there is anything in the way of your lever

 

[OBJ]

Re: removing lower unit...whats the trick???

Divo, look from the starboard side of the engine at the shift rod lever. Put the lever all the way down. There should be a 3/8" bolt head there. This is the shift rod retainer bolt....cut smooth on the end. Take a 1/4" drive and long extension with a universal joint on it and the 3/8 socket. You can get back in there and remove the retainer bolt. Might have the lower unit held up with a bolt so it don't drop on the floor.

 

[divo]

Re: removing lower unit...whats the trick???

Divo, look from the starboard side of the engine at the shift rod lever. Put the lever all the way down. There should be a 3/8" bolt head there. This is the shift rod retainer bolt....cut smooth on the end. Take a 1/4" drive and long extension with a universal joint on it and the 3/8 socket. You can get back in there and remove the retainer bolt. Might have the lower unit held up with a bolt so it don't drop on the floor.

Thanks for the reply. Are you talking about the bolt at the top of the shift rod? Its a slotted hex head on this motor...looks like maybe 1/2" or 7/16" socket. If I drop it...will it go through? When reassembling...how do I line that back up? Thanks

 

[OBJ]

Re: removing lower unit...whats the trick???

Take a look at your engines parts breakdown on the BRP site. There should be a break down for the "Shift & Throttle Linkage". Look at item #47. Thats the bolt I'm talking about. Yes, it probably has a slot in it. But I'm thinking it's a 3/8 head.

The shift rod will come right out with the lower unit once the bolt is removed. Remember not to turn the shift rod once it's out. It's set at a specific height and turning it will mess up the adjustment.

I usually will take a long nose needle nose pliers and grap the shift rod right under the pan and turn it so it will line up with the shift lever. You may have to put a screwdriver under there also to push the shift rod forward a little to get it into the shift lever slot. Sounds tricky but after you do it a few hundred times it gets easier......:devil:

 

[divo]

Re: removing lower unit...whats the trick???

Take a look at your engines parts breakdown on the BRP site. There should be a break down for the "Shift & Throttle Linkage". Look at item #47. Thats the bolt I'm talking about. Yes, it probably has a slot in it. But I'm thinking it's a 3/8 head.

The shift rod will come right out with the lower unit once the bolt is removed. Remember not to turn the shift rod once it's out. It's set at a specific height and turning it will mess up the adjustment.

I usually will take a long nose needle nose pliers and grap the shift rod right under the pan and turn it so it will line up with the shift lever. You may have to put a screwdriver under there also to push the shift rod forward a little to get it into the shift lever slot. Sounds tricky but after you do it a few hundred times it gets easier......:devil:

Thats the bolt...I was just going to post that part number. Thanks. i will do it tomorrow. Might have to restock the fridge for this one...that bolt is way in there.

 

[OBJ]

Re: removing lower unit...whats the trick???

The 1/4" drive with long extension will help divo. Don't forget the universal joint. If you put a bit of masking tape in the socket, it will hold on to the bolt for removal. Works for reassembly also.

 

[divo]

Re: removing lower unit...whats the trick???

Thanks for the help. You were correct. It was a 3/8" head bolt and when I got it out...she came right off. I have it off and the new water pump installed. Just have to put the lower unit back on. Taking a break before I attempt to get that bolt back in....Thanks Again!!!