1994 20 hp lower unit shift rod boot.

[hardwater fisherman]

Where the shift rod exits the lower unit.-- I have water coming out while running. ---There is a boot part number 85552001. I have tried a couple of times to seat it and it still leaks.--- The boot is not torn.--- It has been this way since I bought the motor and I am pretty sure it really does not matter.-- The problem now is I am trying to sell the motor and when someone sees this it becomes a deal breaker.-- When people see water exiting there or even out the factory drain holes they assume there is a problem.-- Is there a special way to install this boot?

 

[flyingscott]

That accordion boot goes where the shift rod enters the gearcase. That is just to keep dirt off of the rod. If people are complaining about where water comes out put the motor in a barrel

 

[hardwater fisherman]

It is a long shaft and it sticks out of the water. I am running in a barrel. It is hard to convince most people. It does not bother me at all. I guess I would need a deeper barrel. It is too bad because this is one of the best running outboards I have had.