shift rod coupler

jimcrain1966

Seaman
Joined
Apr 7, 2013
Messages
61
Hello, I'm trying to remover lower unit from a 1979 Johnson 85hp v4. removed starter, now manual says to un bolt shift rod coupler under lower carb. cant get to it unless remove all the carb. sound right?
 

mav6759

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Jun 25, 2007
Messages
489
Re: shift rod coupler

No you don't have to remove the carb's, there should be a screw or a pin the holds the shift rod in place, If you are standing in back of the motor it will be on your right side under the carb's, you will need a very long screw drive, that how I got mine off, if you have trouble finding the screw or the pin, you can go over the left side and follow the shift linkage to the middle of the motor, go back to the right side and you should see the screw or pin it should be facing the driver side.
 
Last edited:

boobie

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Nov 5, 2009
Messages
20,826
Re: shift rod coupler

1/4" drive flex sockets and extensions work real good too.
 

jimcrain1966

Seaman
Joined
Apr 7, 2013
Messages
61
Re: shift rod coupler

No you don't have to remove the carb's, there should be a screw or a pin the holds the shift rod in place, If you are standing in back of the motor it will be on your right side under the carb's, you will need a very long screw drive, that how I got mine off, if you have trouble finding the screw or the pin, you can go over the left side and follow the shift linkage to the middle of the motor, go back to the right side and you should see the screw or pin it should be facing the driver side.

When standing behind motor, I see a recessed screw on right side and recessed screw and pin on left. Do I remove both screws and pin?
 

jimcrain1966

Seaman
Joined
Apr 7, 2013
Messages
61
Re: shift rod coupler

Hello, I'm trying to remover lower unit from a 1979 Johnson 85hp v4. removed starter, now manual says to un bolt shift rod coupler under lower carb. cant get to it unless remove all the carb. sound right?

If I stand behind motor, I see a recessed screw on right side,and recessed screw and pin on left.do I remove both screws and pin
 

racerone

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Dec 28, 2013
Messages
38,415
Re: shift rod coupler

Post pictures !!-----Not sure anyone can folow your verbal description.----When standing behind the motor you can not see the shift linkage release under the carburetor.
 

boobie

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Nov 5, 2009
Messages
20,826
Re: shift rod coupler

I can't follow your description either. Pictures ????
 

jimcrain1966

Seaman
Joined
Apr 7, 2013
Messages
61
Re: shift rod coupler

DSCN2615.jpg
sorry. didn't mean I could SEE it from back,meant when in back it was on right. Any how I was looking in wrong spot, but I think I found it. hope you got pic. I think its the hex nut with flat head screw top.
 

jimcrain1966

Seaman
Joined
Apr 7, 2013
Messages
61
Re: shift rod coupler

everything came off great. took off water pump, impeller looks deformed and stuck in a metal housing. does this look right?DSCN2618.jpg
 

Bosunsmate

Admiral
Joined
Apr 7, 2012
Messages
6,135
Re: shift rod coupler

looks normal, but pull it out and see if they even up or if the bent ones still stay bent.
Cant see the key
 

racerone

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Dec 28, 2013
Messages
38,415
Re: shift rod coupler

Look just perfect ! ------Very normal to look like that.
 

boobie

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Nov 5, 2009
Messages
20,826
Re: shift rod coupler

Bosun is correct. If the blades don't straighten out when you pull it out of the cup, replace it.
 
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