Tricks for reconnecting shift rod?

[packman35]

OK, so I changed out my water pump for the first time. Had to Helicoil the bolts since they hadn't been removed - ever - and were way stuck. Could not work them out and ended up having to drill and tap.

So now that I am done with that, I am putting it all back together and have come to the last step - reconnecting the shift rod.

So is there a trick to this? I ended up having to walk away from it tonight after trying for almost an hour to get stud "A" lined up and engaged with hole "B". It doesn't make matters better that there is no room to see or work under there either!! There is a special place in you know where for whoever designed that linkage!!

Anyone have any tricks or suggestions?

Thanks in advance!!

 

[AEROCOOK]

Re: Tricks for reconnecting shift rod?

When frustrated, walking away for a while is a good plan. I learned this the hard way more than once!
Lots of folks here to offer tips but it is imperative that you provide your model number so that we know what you are working on.
There are many different types of shift linkage styles and even more tips or tricks to make the job go smoothly.
Post the model number and let us help you.

 

[Dawgs]

Re: Tricks for reconnecting shift rod?

getting it lined up is tough...but once you get it lined up .this is what i did...get a real long screwdriver...i took the screw and put it on the end and siliconed it to the driver. then i wrapped it once with electrical tape ...now you dont have to worry about it falling off the screw driver...when you get it in....just give it a tug and it will sperate.....good luck

 

[petryshyn]

Re: Tricks for reconnecting shift rod?

-put lower unit in nuetral, and put control in nuetral
-gently tug on the shift lever
-while holding a slight pressure on the lever, view the shaft under the lower engine cover
-slowly work the shaft towards the bow back to the transom until you feel the lever slip into place

voila!

 

[packman35]

Re: Tricks for reconnecting shift rod?

Sorry, the motor is the one listed in my signature - 1993 Evinrude 115TLET.

 

[petryshyn]

Re: Tricks for reconnecting shift rod?

you didn't remove a bolt, did you?
I hope you just pulled out the spring clip!

 

[Andre]

Re: Tricks for reconnecting shift rod?

Top two suggestions will help you get this done. I used one of those screw holders you use for grabing screws that have fallen down a hole. If you have the screw out in have I'd go with the suggestion of taping it with black electrical tape.

Insert the screw into the hole once you feel the rod is close to where it needs to be in (neutral/neutral positions). Now use some long nose pliers and grab hold of the shift rod just below the motor cowling and above the transom mounts. You can only access it clearly from the shifter side of the motor which is where you'd want to be in order to insert the screw.

Andre

 

[packman35]

Re: Tricks for reconnecting shift rod?

Nope, no bolt or screw removed. I only removed the clip and pushed the linkage toward the powerhead (to port) and the rod came free. The problem is getting the rod realigned with the pin on the linkage so that I can pull the linkage back to starboard and then reinsert the clip.

 

[Andre]

Re: Tricks for reconnecting shift rod?

I should have mentioned that my post was for the earlier 80's models so it's probably not going to help you in this situation.

 

[mckee1787]

Re: Tricks for reconnecting shift rod?

Piece of cake! Just get a foot or so long piece of romex strand stripped, or the ground wire (gauge can be 10,12) and bend an end to form a hook and stick it thru the starboard side where you can see the shift and hook it! once hooked you would be amazed how easy it will be to manipulate the rod. I use this method all the time.

 

[petryshyn]

Re: Tricks for reconnecting shift rod?

shift lever is easy to see under the lower engine cowling, and easy to grab with long nose pliers