Shift Cradle Screw

[HeavyHorses]

Is there a reason you are not supposed to remove the shift cradle screw? I accidently took mine out of my 25hp Evinrude outboard motor when I changed the lower end fluid. I had problems getting it back in at first but then it went in okay I think. Also some fluid came out when I had it out. I assume it is the same fluid I changed. Any positive input would really put my mind at ease, hopefully. Thanks.

 

[Dhadley]

Re: Shift Cradle Screw

Welcome!!<br /><br />Does it shift OK? Yes, the fluid that came out is in the same cavity that you put fluid back in.

 

[Walker]

Re: Shift Cradle Screw

If you get it back in and it doesn't leak any fluid then no harm done. The shift linkage can move when you take it out and can be difficult if not impossible to get it aligned again without dismantling the L/U

 

[HeavyHorses]

Re: Shift Cradle Screw

I called a friend and he said to turn the motor in forward and reverse and see if the prop goes the right way both times and it did. Before I did that I removed the screw again as I wanted to see if I could see in the hole toi get it properly aligned. But the hole was too small to see into. Then I couldnt get it back in again so I took a pick and with the pick I pryed it up and that helped and then I got the screw back in. So if it goes forward and reverse does that mean that I got it back in right?