Shift Rod connection 1996 Evinrude 115 ELOC

[horseflysc]

I'm stuck and need advice - I just installed a new impeller kit on my 1995 Evinrude 115. When taking lower foot off I placed the throttle full forward and removed all bolts but one (left it in with a few threads to keep lower unit from dropping). I then removed the quick release pin and pushed in the shift linkage and my helper removed the last bolt and my lower unit slid right out with no problem. I changed out the impeller, gasket, o-ring and cleaned everything up (sand particles, etc).
Everything is great to this point and moving along as expected. Now the problem - When I slide the lower unit back on my shift rod is right at the pin on the shift linkage rod but when I try pushing or pulling shift linkage rod in or out I can not get the shift rod hole to pop back over the pin that holds it. I can see it fine and there doesn't seem to be enough room between the pin on the linkage and the little plastic piece that will keep it on. The rod and hole are right there touching the pin, I just cannot get the wiggle room for the rod to go back over the pin! I don't want to break anything so I'm not forcing it. This is my 1st time on an Evinrude OB. Any advice on how to get this rod back on the pin?
Big THX in advance.

 

[Bosunsmate]

Re: Shift Rod connection 1996 Evinrude 115 ELOC

Is the shift rod sitting central in the middle of the leg where its come up from?
Its a bushing there so you might have to give it a bit of force, have you tried holding the shift rod firm at the other end with a screwdriver or something so that when you push the lever in to it is pressing in firmly?

 

[boobie]

Re: Shift Rod connection 1996 Evinrude 115 ELOC

Get a long needle nose pliers and put it in position. Easy to do.

 

[horseflysc]

Re: Shift Rod connection 1996 Evinrude 115 ELOC

Is the shift rod sitting central in the middle of the leg where its come up from?
Its a bushing there so you might have to give it a bit of force, have you tried holding the shift rod firm at the other end with a screwdriver or something so that when you push the lever in to it is pressing in firmly?

Nearest I can tell it is in the same position it was in prior to removal. It does want to rotate 90 degrees when I press the shift shaft linkage on it. My needle nose pliers are just long enough to rotate it back in place but not get a good holding grip. I will get some longer NN pliers like something you would work on brakes with and try to hold it in place.
Raining here in SC through Tuesday so Wednesday is the 1st day I can get back on it. What I may really need is enough hands to hold flashlight, pliers, wiggle linkage, etc. Thanks for the advice, will try and update post later Wednesday.

 

[horseflysc]

Re: Shift Rod connection 1996 Evinrude 115 ELOC

Will get some some longer NN pliers and try it Wed after the rain stops. THX

 

[emdsapmgr]

Re: Shift Rod connection 1996 Evinrude 115 ELOC

The shift rod is also visible below the lower cowling, by the swivel bracket. You can move the rod slightly with a long screwdriver-usually enough to engage it under the lower carb.

 

[horseflysc]

Re: Shift Rod connection 1996 Evinrude 115 ELOC

Finally had a chance to get back to it no thanks to inaccurate weather forecasts and crazy work schedule.
Boobie - Was much easier after ditching the flashlight and getting trouble light so I could see up in there a little bit!
With a longnose pair of NN pliers, a helper and much cursing shift rod was back on pin after about 30 minutes of wiggling.
Whoever designed this wasn't ever planning to work on one! Thanks all for the suggestions and tips.
Back on the water this weekend if rain holds off.