V4 OMC Shift linkage - Any removal tricks?

[JasonBenson]

I have an 81 90 horse Johnson, model number J90TLCIM. One cylinder is toast (15psi). Going to get a reman'd powerhead. I'm supposed to send mine in. The shift linkage seems impossible to reach with a wrench. Any tricks to getting at the bolt? How about when it's time to put it back on? Thought about removing carbs(probably comes with it's own set of problems though). <br />10,000 lakes and no boat!

 

[DJ]

Re: V4 OMC Shift linkage - Any removal tricks?

Jman,<br /><br />Put the shifter into reverse. It makes it a little easier, but no much.<br /><br />It's a snap if you remove the carbs. You're going to have to anyway. I doubt the new powerhead comes with them.

 

[Dhadley]

Re: V4 OMC Shift linkage - Any removal tricks?

Welcome!!<br /><br />A powerhead is just that -- a bare powerhead. You will need all your electronics, pan mounts, carbs, fuel pump and intake manifold for a V4 crossflow. Usually you get the reman first in case you have to switch a by-pass cover or two and then send the old one back. Unless they are rebuilding your existing p/h.<br /><br />We pull the powerhead off dressed and take everything off on the bench. Its easier. Redress the reman the same. Then reinstall as a unit.<br /><br />Keep in mind you need to find out what caused the low compression. If you have a detonated piston, most likely the cause is in the ignition you have which will go on the reman p/h. You dont want to end up with the same result -- a damaged piston on the reman. The same for a scored piston -- find out what did it.<br /><br />The damaged piston is an effect -- find and correct the cause.<br /><br />Good luck!

 

[muskyone]

Re: V4 OMC Shift linkage - Any removal tricks?

long 1/4 in extention universal joint and a 7/6 socket and it's possable the carbs arent that hard to get off but like Dhadley said you'll ned to strip the powerhead any way

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: V4 OMC Shift linkage - Any removal tricks?

While you have them off, rebuild the Carbs. for sure. You could have been running a lean condition that may have caused your problem. As Dhadley said, your problem is just an effect, not the cause.

 

[JasonBenson]

Re: V4 OMC Shift linkage - Any removal tricks?

Thanks for all the replies! I am actually getting the whole powerhead(carbs, electronics etc) from a shop in PA. He said carbs are rebuilt, super duper milling on the block etc etc. 1 yr warranty on all. In the back of my mind I have been plagued by thoughts about how good all the electronics, hoses and such will be... I'll have to take the carbs off the reman'd powerhead as well. Anything I should be aware of if I take the rebuilt carbs off?

 

[DJ]

Re: V4 OMC Shift linkage - Any removal tricks?

As said, you really do not have to take the carbs off. It just makes it real easy that way.<br /><br />If you do take them off, you will need new carb to manifold gaskets.

 

[Dhadley]

Re: V4 OMC Shift linkage - Any removal tricks?

Ah, youre getting a dressed powerhead. Thats cool.<br /><br />Keep us informed! Good luck!

 

[Brew2]

Re: V4 OMC Shift linkage - Any removal tricks?

If you still have trouble reaching the shift linkage, you can try removing the lower cowling off one side of the motor. <br /><br />Ended up doing this on my '86 V4. Just took a few minutes to get the cowling off and the bit of extra "wiggle" room made things a lot easier.<br /><br />Cheers,<br /><br />Brew

 

[DHPMARINE]

Re: V4 OMC Shift linkage - Any removal tricks?

muskone has the answer that works for me.1/4 drive socket,swivel,extension and 7/16 (or 3/8) socket.To reinstall,use one of those 4 claw pickup tools.It may take 3 or 4 tries,but pull the carbs??? No way.Would you pay a shop to do it this way?<br />DHP

 

[JasonBenson]

Re: V4 OMC Shift linkage - Any removal tricks?

Ok, Now I'm embarrased. I was trying to remove the wrong bolt from the shifter linkage. Today with some good lighting, I spied the little bugger I was supposed to be removing. I guess a manual may have helped. Thanks again for all the advice... next time you can say RTFM. Hope to get this one shipped off and receive my fully dressed powerhead. I'm sure I'll be posting when it comes time to put the remanufactured one back on.

 

[mutron77]

Re: V4 OMC Shift linkage - Any removal tricks?

To get mine back in I jammed the head of the bolt in <br />the end of a piece of old fuel hose. It allowed me to reach the linkage without fear of dropping the bolt into the abyss, got it in and started, and pulled the hose off.

 

[JasonBenson]

Re: V4 OMC Shift linkage - Any removal tricks?

Thanks to the many who helped me in my endeavor. I started up my newly rebuilt head. I've installed a new water pump and t-stats(once again with advice from people on this forum). I now have a few last questions(maybe I should post separately). I fired up the motor briefly with the ear muffs on. Water coming out of the tell tale just fine. Couple of things have me concerned:<br />1.) Water from under the newly built head(up front). I think it's from using the muffs...<br />2.) It seems my fuel connection from my tank line to the motor is not completely 'tight', I can hear it hiss a bit when I pump it up. <br />Are either of these things something that should stop me from taking her out tomorrow to start breaking it in? Once again I am truly in your debt for your help! This forum is AWESOME!<br />10,000 Lakes and almost got my boat running!

 

[JasonBenson]

Re: V4 OMC Shift linkage - Any removal tricks?

^^^