I’m looking for a best method/trick to thread the Shift Lever Pin (pictures attached) into the Shift Rod Lever of subject motor?
Currently, working from the more accessible starboard side of the engine, I use a 5/32-inch diameter brass rod to locate the lower unit Shift Rod hole to the holes in the Shift Rod Lever on the powerhead. Then, working from the port side of the engine and the 3/8-inch hex head of the Shift Lever Pin, I use a ¼-inch square drive socket attached to a ¼-inch drive swivel, attached to a 12-inch-long extension and ¼-inch socket wrench to insert the tapered lead-in of the Shift Lever Pin into the Shift Lever holes. The tapered lead-in on the Shift Lever Pin pushes the 5/32-inch brass rod out of position upon insertion.
Although the above method works, I find myself taping the hex head of the Shift Lever Pin to the socket and also wrapping the swivel lightly with tape to maintain some control of the swivel when I push the 3/16 in pin of the Shift Lever into position. Getting through the maze of hoses and other components on the port side of the engine is not easy and takes a few/many attempts to install the Shift Lever Pin.
There has to be an easier method that enables you to work through the maze of hoses on the port side of the engine and maintain control of the Shift lever Pin on your tool to get it inserted into the Shift Rod Lever on the powerhead. I will also mention, in addition to a 3/8-inch hex head, the Shift Lever Pin is also slotted. Would some sort of extra-long or flexible screw driver with the ability to capture the hex head be an option? I’m looking for an easier method as my current one crazes me! Please share any tricks of the trade you may have.
Thanks!
Currently, working from the more accessible starboard side of the engine, I use a 5/32-inch diameter brass rod to locate the lower unit Shift Rod hole to the holes in the Shift Rod Lever on the powerhead. Then, working from the port side of the engine and the 3/8-inch hex head of the Shift Lever Pin, I use a ¼-inch square drive socket attached to a ¼-inch drive swivel, attached to a 12-inch-long extension and ¼-inch socket wrench to insert the tapered lead-in of the Shift Lever Pin into the Shift Lever holes. The tapered lead-in on the Shift Lever Pin pushes the 5/32-inch brass rod out of position upon insertion.
Although the above method works, I find myself taping the hex head of the Shift Lever Pin to the socket and also wrapping the swivel lightly with tape to maintain some control of the swivel when I push the 3/16 in pin of the Shift Lever into position. Getting through the maze of hoses and other components on the port side of the engine is not easy and takes a few/many attempts to install the Shift Lever Pin.
There has to be an easier method that enables you to work through the maze of hoses on the port side of the engine and maintain control of the Shift lever Pin on your tool to get it inserted into the Shift Rod Lever on the powerhead. I will also mention, in addition to a 3/8-inch hex head, the Shift Lever Pin is also slotted. Would some sort of extra-long or flexible screw driver with the ability to capture the hex head be an option? I’m looking for an easier method as my current one crazes me! Please share any tricks of the trade you may have.
Thanks!
