1991 Force 50 Shift Linkage Adjustment

[Bearmanpaul]

First post, new user so sorry if this has already been discussed.

I recently dropped the lower unit on my '91 Force 50 horse to replace the impeller. To do so, I completely unscrewed the shift shaft linkage without marking its position first (rookie mistake I've since learned.) Now I can't get the lower unit back on without really having to move it a lot, as the shift shaft coming up from the lower unit and the part coming down from the engine overlap/will collide before the lower unit is all the way on. I'm now considering removing the cotter pin from the bottom of the shift shaft, connecting the linkage, and then reconnecting the lower end of the shift shaft via the cotter pin. However, then when I push the lower unit the rest of the way on, it will end up in the wrong gear. Is there an easier way to do this, or does anyone have any tips/advice? I've attached some pictures of what I'm talking about.

 

[kbh121956]

The long threaded nut remove it. Install it on the lower linkage as you reinstall the lower. I had the same problem with my 1990 50HP. Once installed you will be able to shift into forward and see if the prop will turn by hand (it shouldn't). Same thing as reverse, shift it into gear and see if the prop will turn.