Shift Rod alignment 1985 115 HP Evinrude

[Old Irving]

Hello,
I just replaced my water pump and was getting ready to screw in the screw but I notice the shift rod shifted when I reinserted the lower unit. I did not remove the carburetor so I am using a socket extension. It started to get dark so I didn't try to rotate the shift rod. Can I bend a wire coat hanger and rotate the shift the align? I hope I don't have to remove the lower unit again and rotate the rod.
Thanks in advance.
Bob

 

[rothfm]

If I'm understanding correctly, your rod either pushed up or down when mounting the LU, or the alignment hole is now skewed. You should be able to use needle nose plyers from the outside of the exhaust housing to grab the exposed area of the shift rod, and shift it up of down ( you may have to rotate the prop a bit to engage gears etc). And also use same method to turn the shaft slightly so it will align with the Shift mechanism. I almost always put the long needle nose on it while I'm enganging the shift assm, easier.

Hope that helps a bit.

 

[abgarza]

If the shift rod spun, you have to be careful that you set it back to the correct height. If it just nudged over, just set it back. Sorry to plant a seed of doubt in there, but better safe than sorry.

 

[Old Irving]

The height seems fine, I think a nudge is in order. I will be able to work on it tomorrow and I will let everyone know the result. I better get it done because I am taking the boat to Hardy Reservoir in Michigan.
Thanks again.

 

[Old Irving]

No Title

Everything worked out. I was able to sneak in a set of long nose pliers between the powerhead and the lower unit. On the 1985 model it is exposed about an inche so I twisted it in place. You can see by the image that it aligned nicely and I used a 3/8 inch socket with extension to reach the screw. To make sure the screw did not fall out, I lined the socket with chewing gum (I recommend Trident) and pushed the screw into it for a nice tight fit. Everything is now in place and will be taking it to the lake tomorrow.

Thanks again,

Bob