The needle bolt connects to the shift rod?

[denniston]

I know it sounds like some children's anatomy rhyme, but on my 78 Chrysler 140hp, I have what I think is the drain for the lower unit (the lower most screw on the lower unit) out, and appearantly I had moved the shift level with this out. Now I'm having difficulty getting it back in, but what I was wondering was...is that really supposed to connect to the shift rod? The screw is like 1.5 inches long it's got about 1/4 inch of threads by the head, and is long and slender the rest of the way down, and then is beveled at the point? I'm I understanding this right?

 

[Terry H]

Re: The needle bolt connects to the shift rod?

denniston...that sounds like the shift pivot screw...the drain should be on the very lowest place, next to the skeg...can be a bugga to get back in...just a Thought

 

[scotiany]

Re: The needle bolt connects to the shift rod?

Hate to tell you this but, it sounds to me like you're going to have to remove you LU to reinstall the shift pivot pin. I did it last year. It's really not too difficult-just time consuming. Also, while you have LU off, it would be a good time to check your water pump impeller. If you have a Seloc manual, it takes you through the steps.

 

[denniston]

Re: The needle bolt connects to the shift rod?

before I pull the LU off again what would be the nessicity / benifit of doing that?<br /><br />thanks

 

[revertmastec]

Re: The needle bolt connects to the shift rod?

9 out of 10 times that is the only way to get the pivot screw back in. You have to tear down the lower unit.<br />Good Luck

 

[scotiany]

Re: The needle bolt connects to the shift rod?

I don't know your engine but, on mine, I also had to separate the upper and lower housings of the LU in order to gain access. The worst part of that was trying to find the gasket that goes between them. I suppose you could fabricate one yourself though.

 

[eurolarva]

Re: The needle bolt connects to the shift rod?

You should order a seal kit for this as long as you have it apart. If the lower unit is the same as a chrysler I can make you a gasket if you need one. I have an original gasket I use to cut new ones from. You might get lucky and get the shift screw in but chances are you will have to take it apart to do it right

 

[denniston]

Re: The needle bolt connects to the shift rod?

well I got the shift pin in (by luck) with out taking it all apart...I really haven't had the boat more than about 9 months (or any boat for that matter) I always thought that was the drain plug, but I found the real drain plug. So you think that it's fine since I got the pin back in??? It seemed to shift just fine yesterday when I put it in the water. But I'm not gonna hurt anything by not taking it apart and "doing it right" as the last guy said?

 

[eurolarva]

Re: The needle bolt connects to the shift rod?

I hope you got it right. It is still possible to shift even if the screw did not go in correctly. See link shift linkage <br /><br />On top diagram I inserted word bolt to show where that screw you removed goes. The motor may still shift for awhile but when it goes the damage will be minimal but it could leave you in neutral and you will need a trolling motor, oars or a tow to get back to shore.<br /><br />What that screw does is holds the shift linkage parts in place so the shifter can move the clutch to forward or reverse or it goes in the middle which is neutral. If the whole thing collapses in the lower unit you probably will only damage the linkage pieces and maybe the shift pin in the prop shaft. I would be more worried about being stranded. Play with your gears near the landing and after awhile if it dont fail chances are you got lucky and got it in right. If you did not shift the motor while the screw was out you may have got lucky and it did not move.

 

[deeboater]

Re: The needle bolt connects to the shift rod?

Great topic, I just did the same thing... I drained the LU oil by removing the pivot screw, could not get it back in... checked the manual (after the fact) and almost had a heart attack with the Note said: "If the shift pivot screw is removed, complete disassembly of the gearcase will be required". Fortunately, I was able to get the pivot screw back in by using an old dental tool to line up the hole and quickly re-inserted the screw. It took several attempts! Seems to be shifting ok. But I haven't had it in the water yet. I'll update when I ops check in the water!

 

[Terry H]

Re: The needle bolt connects to the shift rod?

I've put a few pivot screws back in without disassembly...but it takes some dinkin' around to get it lined up, so it is possible...just a Thought