Shift linkage disconnect 86 225 Johnson

[v12mac]

Am I loosing my mind?<br /><br />I can’t get the shift linkage to release on this engine. I am dropping the lower unit for a water pump service and this thing won’t let go. I am used to pulling the coterpins out and pushing in the shift linkage. My manual is not clear on this.<br /><br />On this motor do I need to go in with a socket and back the bolt out that goes through the shift rod? <br /><br />Mac

 

[rodbolt]

Re: Shift linkage disconnect 86 225 Johnson

yep<br /> go in from the port side just under the carb. pray the upper mount has not sagged . if it did getting the unit back on is touchy.<br /> good luck and keep posting

 

[Walker]

Re: Shift linkage disconnect 86 225 Johnson

I find it much easier to just pull the bottom carb off before I ever tackle the shift linkage.

 

[Dhadley]

Re: Shift linkage disconnect 86 225 Johnson

On this looper you can pop the port lower pan off and get straight at the screw. Very easy.<br /><br />Good luck!

 

[rodbolt]

Re: Shift linkage disconnect 86 225 Johnson

I just slide my hand down under and remove it, use a swivel socket and a 30"extension and it will come right off. going back up is a little tricky sometimes.<br /> good luck and keep posting

 

[v12mac]

Re: Shift linkage disconnect 86 225 Johnson

Thanks, I got it with a brand new extra long screw driver. I think I like the new system alot better. <br /><br />I wish I thought of pulling off the port pan.<br /><br />Great water flow. I think the old pump was way past its service life.<br />Mac

 

[pjb]

Re: Shift linkage disconnect 86 225 Johnson

Rodbolt, I have been trying with various mechanics to re- mount the lower unit on a 1993 Rude 225 after a pump change with no success. I wonder if we have upper mount failure as they have tried everything suggested above but have not been able to align and hook the shift rod. They even unscrewed the shift rod and tried hooking it by itself with no success. How would we correct upper mount failure and is this a long term problem with other consequences?. If we do manage to get the lower unit back on perhaps by trimming vertically would sagging problem destroy gears .<br /><br />thanks for advice

 

[Captn Dave]

Re: Shift linkage disconnect 86 225 Johnson

Papa,<br /><br />If your 93 is anything like my 89, simply put, it's a ***** to get the shift rod to slide up. I recently spent hours on one occasion to get my lower unit back up, only to discover that I must have previously rotated the shift rod and changed the length. <br />After that I wasn't sure of the exact length and had a shop put the lower unit back on. Even the mechanic at the shop said it was a difficult.<br /><br />My suggestions to make it a little easier.<br />1. Remove the lower pan. It's easy. 4 or 5 bolts and a couple of clips.<br />2. I took a grinder and rounded the head of the shift rod. Of course you don't want to remove too much material but there's plenty to work with.<br />3. Put the engine side shift lever in forward.<br />4. Plenty of grease on everything.<br /><br />Good luck.

 

[Dhadley]

Re: Shift linkage disconnect 86 225 Johnson

If the shift rod holes dont line up anymore its a problem with the lower mounts, not the upper (good thing). Salt and/or corrision gets behind them and pushes the two pieces out of line. Very common.

 

[pjb]

Re: Shift linkage disconnect 86 225 Johnson

Dhadley, we put a piece of 2x4 between the power head ( minus cowling) and the engine transom bracket and prised the enginge up a few inches and the shift rod popped in no problem.Why do you say the lower mounts are the problem , it would seem to be the upper engine mounts are bad as the power head is where the movement is -please confirm. If I have to change the upper engine mounts can you tell me exactly where these are located, what they look like, how many there are ,cost and basic outlime of how they are changed and if there are any tricks to make easier or pitfalls to avoid. The manual does not seem to address this matter. I am going to run for a while like this but afraid of stripping the gears eventually<br />Thanks for your time.<br /><br />PS : you were right about towing out on the 30' Scarab even though Wellcraft told me to toe in.

 

[MarkHPCA]

Re: Shift linkage disconnect 86 225 Johnson

I am not an expert but I believe that to replace the top mounts you have to remove the power head.