shift rod trouble...

[55'Fleetwin7.5]

I replaced the lower unit on a 1957 18 HP. I could not get the shift likage connected again. As I raised it back up to bolt it together, I first slowly turned the drive shaft and got that inserted... then the copper tube... then I moved the shift lever towards reverse so that it captured the lower shift rod. When I tried to tighten the bolts... they would not tighten. They just kept turning. Are there nuts on the backside that fell off? Any tips to share? Thanks.

 

[rockpile]

Re: shift rod trouble...

Sounds like the threads in the brass connector is stripped. There are no nuts, just threads.

 

[Joe Reeves]

Re: shift rod trouble...

In the future, make absolutely sure (if you didn't this time) that the grooves on the shift rod are aligned perfectly with the holes in the brass connector.

 

[55'Fleetwin7.5]

Re: shift rod trouble...

What is my best course of action? can they be replaced by themselves? I never felt them tighen at all... so I am sure I did not over do it.

 

[F_R]

Re: shift rod trouble...

If just one of them is stripped, you can remove the lower unit again and through-bolt that one with a nut on the backside. OR, do it the right way and replace the shift rod connector and screw(s).
As Joe mentined, next time you do it, use a flashlight to peer in there and make sure the notch in the shift rod is exactly aligned with the hole in the connector before installing the screw. If you don't and the screw rubs on the edge of the notch it will wipe the threads off the screw every time.....as you found out.

 

[55'Fleetwin7.5]

Re: shift rod trouble...

A painful but valuable lesson learned!... I will get it right on the next go round. Thanks for your help... yet again!

Tom