1988 Evinrude 70 HP (E70TLCCA) Gear Shift Disconnect

[YellowPerch]

I’m trying to drop my lower unit in order to change the impeller but having problems getting the gear shifter to disconnect. I’ve located it ok but it’s very difficult to see. I’ve read that I can simply remove the pin on the “L” shaped lever on the starboard side of the engine, push this lever inward towards the port side of the engine, and then rotate clockwise to disconnect. However this doesn’t seem to be working for me. Is it possible there is a bolt that needs to be removed on mine too? I can’t see much from the starboard side since the VRO is in the way. Any advice is appreciated. Thanks in advance.

 

[brodmann]

What a pain in the butt!! I found a video. This guy takes the VRO pump off. Hope this helps:

 

[YellowPerch]

Thanks for the video, it was helpful. After being convinced there was no additional bolt that had to come out and being much more forceful (it was pretty stubborn) it released. I’m hoping the guy in the video only took off the VRO for explanation purposes. Though I’m nervous how easily it will align back together. I’ll update in a few days.

 

[racerone]

Just needs the hitch pin removed and a push on that lever.----Fairly easy to re-assemble.-----Did one a few weeks ago.