Shifting Rod Seal problem in Lower Unit . 1985 Evinrude 30 hp.

Newinboating

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I have 1985 Evinrude 30 hp. Rebuilding lower unit. My problem is I can't replace shifting rod seal in lower unit. I've got this service manual for Johnson/Evinrude but their is nothing about how to replace this seal. And It just wont move. I really need help, before I'll do expensive mistake. Does any one know how to replace it? Thank you in advance!
 

racerone

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Obtain a piece of 1/4" threaded rod.-----------Take a 1/4-20 nut and file it round by taking the corners off.-----See if you can pull the bushing out of the housing with that.
 

Newinboating

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I tried that earlier today with piece of plywood on the top as a support. And it wont move even a bit. Was afraid will break something. Do you know or I could push it down? Thank you!
 

Chinewalker

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Will not push down, must be pulled up. It will take a good deal of force. Might need more than plywood to pull against. With the shaved down nut on the bottom end of the threaded rod, you can use a nut and flat washer on the top to pull the bushing out. The clearance between the hole in the casing and the bushing isn't much so the shaved-down nut shouldn't be much bigger in diameter than the 1/4 inch rid. I believe the one I made was 5/16" in diameter when I was done...
 

Tim Frank

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I assume you mean the brass bushing is what you want to remove.
If you don't mind buying a replacement bushing ~ $8- , tap the old one with a 5/16-18 tap,just to the bottom of the bushing, and use a 3/8" drive x 1/2 " , deep-socket and a 5/16" bolt, longer than the socket depth, and a 5./16 hex nut as a puller.
The bolt threads into the bushing until it jams, and then tighten the nut against the socket to draw out the bushing.
 
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gm280

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That particular brass bushing is very hard to remove but it can be done. I worked and worked with mine until I finely just knocked it out and of course damaged the brass. But I just bought a new one (pretty cheap) and installed the new gasket, "O" ring and brass fitting back in. BUT, that was the start of more interesting things too. After getting it to fit back properly I couldn't get the shift rod through the new "O" ring seal again. I tried everything and I just couldn't make the shift rod go back in. I used grease oil and ever type idea I could think of. Then I literally forced it in and I finely got it to go. There is zero chance of that leaking for certain... After working it a few times is went smoothly after enough lube got in place. Just a heads up for you. And it has to come out from the top. The entire bushing gasket and "O" ring all come out from the top, so work on it from the underside to knock it out the top side. I loaded a picture of what I removed form my engine. Notice how flat the "O" ring looks...


Boat-31.jpg
 
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hardwater fisherman

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That particular brass bushing is very hard to remove but it can be done. I worked and worked with mine until I finely just knocked it out and of course damaged the brass. But I just bought a new one (pretty cheap) and installed the new gasket, "O" ring and brass fitting back in. BUT, that was the start of more interesting things too. After getting it to fit back properly I couldn't get the shift rod through the new "O" ring seal again. I tried everything and I just couldn't make the shift rod go back in. I used grease oil and ever type idea I could think of. Then I literally forced it in and I finely got it to go. There is zero chance of that leaking for certain... After working it a few times is went smoothly after enough lube got in place. Just a heads up for you. And it has to come out from the top. The entire bushing gasket and "O" ring all come out from the top, so work on it from the underside to knock it out the top side. I loaded a picture of what I removed form my engine. Notice how flat the "O" ring looks...



I dont think on a 1985 model there is access from the bottom. It must be pulled out from the top.
 

gm280

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Actually they do make a "special" tool for removing that bass bushing. However, it really isn't anything special. It is merely a 5/16" diameter rod the goes in from the bottom through the shift rod opening and stops at the brass bushing being how the brass bushing is only 1/4" diameter. Then you use a hammer and tap it out. I wasn't able to tap mine out until I started tapping really hard. Then it popped out. But use your common sense doing this...
 

racerone

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gm280------------Please review the different motors.---------On the motor in question you can not hammer the bushing out from the bottom.---------It is a single piece gearcase.
 

gm280

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Sorry racerone...I guess I should let suggestions to others on hear and simple read and move on... Seems I have little to contribute so many time because I don't understand things... I'll refrain from further comments. Sorry again!
 

Newinboating

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I really appreciate for all help guys! It took me a huge effort for such a small ?part to replace it. I finally did it. I tried with single nut but I lost a tread, so I did it with 3 of em on both sides plus washers and home made slide hammer. Here are some pics. ?Um. With some reason I couldn't post my pics. Another issue.
 
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