Wont Shift after removing the lower end

[Duckhunter3]

I have a 1975 Johnson 35hp. After removing the lower end to replace the water pump, I have been having issues with the shifter. I have removed the cable and its slides smoothly so its not in the cable. With lower end removed, its shifts easily and appears to do so properly. I have installed the lowerend probably five times now and everytime shifter becomes really tough to shift. Shift linkage is attached properly where rods meet. I noticed that it is hard to push and pull the link age going down into propeller housing. Should this move easily? Is it something to do with the gears? Any advice would be helpful I have run out of ideas. I am paitiently waiting for a manual.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Wont Shift after removing the lower end

turn the prop when shifting, so the clutch dog can line up.

 

[rspar]

Re: Wont Shift after removing the lower end

I'm a total noob but on my Merc the same thing happened when I didn't get the reverse lock thing that holds the motor in place when in reverse put in the right direction. Man I sound like a beginner...owell.

 

[mikesea]

Re: Wont Shift after removing the lower end

as tashasdaddy said,for shifting to mechanically happen,movement needs to occur,as he said turn the prop ,or the flywheel to allow the gears to mesh correctly,it would be very hard to move the shift ,UNLESS the gears just happened to align,but thats a longshot

 

[Duckhunter3]

Re: Wont Shift after removing the lower end

Thanks for the advice. Ill give that a shot. I just know on all other boats I have been able to shift when the motor was not running. It certainly makes sence though with the gears meshing. It does feel like Im forcing somthing that should not. Ill put it back together in neutral and try shifting when the motor is running

 

[cmatt1matt]

Re: Wont Shift after removing the lower end

I just went through the EXACT same frustration you are experiencing. I took lower unit off, changed water pump and was done in about 20 minutes.... then it took me about 3 weeks (between work of course) before I figured out how to accomplish what you are trying. There is NO QUICK TRICK, although it seems like there should be.
1. Place motor on flat (raised) surface such as a work table (I found that working with the motor on a table was MUCH easier than fighting gravity!!)

2. make sure your upper unit and lower unit are both in the same gear when connecting the shift linkage.

3. Rotate flywheel by pulling start string or rotating prop on lower unit so that splines mesh.

4. Push and pull until you get enough length from above and below while making sure that neither units jump into gear (which causes your problem when you try to shift).

5. I felt that unscrewing the shifter gave about 1/4 inch in length.

good luck, it's very frustrating.

 

[Elbo]

Re: Wont Shift after removing the lower end

I have that motor and it's a good one.First remove your remotes and check the manuel shifter on the motor.If that works smooth its in your remote.If not check the linkage at the pinch clamp on the leg.Ckeck both the upper and lower bolts if you removed them.I'll bet the lower one is not in the groove in the shift rod.I take the lower bolt all the way out to remove mine.Once you have it exposed,move the shift lever on the motor to see if the rod is all the way into the clamp.I have to use the shifter to put the rod into the clamp.Be sure the notch in the rod is correct for the bolt to go thru.Both upper and lower bolts.