1985 70 HP lower unit question

[da_ardvark]

I'm confused about how to disconnect the shift rod under the powerhead. I see a pin and a bolt. What is the proper method?

I've included a crude drawing to illustrate.

 

[5150abf]

Re: 1985 70 HP lower unit question

I have an 81 50 horse and have been through 3 lower units so I am really familiar with this part.( love that skinny water!)
There should be a bolt in the front that you remove to get the shift rod loose, on mine if you are standing behind the motor facing forward the bolt head is on the left side and I always had to pull the starter to get to it, from the linkage side it may look like a pin but the bolt head is on the other side.
There is a vertical bolt and a horizontal bolt, you want the horizontal one.
A couple extensions and a alot of patience and you can get it, this was always the worst part for me though because it is so tight in there.
Take the couple extra seconds and disconnect the battery before you start, really easy to short stuff out.
Hope that helps.

 

[da_ardvark]

Re: 1985 70 HP lower unit question

Ok, now I'm really confused. Are you saying that the pin through the shift lever is actually a bolt with a hex head in the port side as illustrated?

I'll look again but I swear it's a pin straight through.

 

[jtexas]

Re: 1985 70 HP lower unit question

Hex head screw, port side, under the bottom carb. The pointy end makes it look like a pin on your drawing - that's the one.

the shift rod is threaded, rotating it will change the length, complicating reinstallation.

yours could be like this:

in which case you're looking for part #69

more likely it's this:

in which case you want #26

 

[da_ardvark]

Re: 1985 70 HP lower unit question

Thanks. I'll take a closer look tonight. I may remove the VRO pump and the starter to gain better visual access. I have read not to rotate the shift lever lest I want bigger problems.

Thanks

Denny

 

[da_ardvark]

Re: 1985 70 HP lower unit question

Mission accomplished!!!

What I was failing to realize is that when I unbolt and remove the clevis, the retaining pin is attached to it, thereby freeing the shift rod.

Once that was done the whole job took less than an hour, and that was dodging thunderstorms.

Thanks again everyone.

Denny