73 Johnson 50 HP Lower Unit back on -- now what?

[caseystuff]

Long story, short -- I bought an old Glastron with a 50ESL73R motor. Did not take it out to test, but the guy assured me everything ran fine. Took it out and could not get it to go in gear. Drained the lower unit -- water, gray lube, filings. Manual told how to take lower unit out -- finally was able to get at two small bolts -- one in the shift linkage cam holding the linkage and one in cam and through the shift rod. The unit came out -- I bought a rebuilt lower unit, new water pump, put it all back together and carefully made sure everything was lined up properly and rebolted the thing! When I got up in the powerhead, however, I noticed that the rod does not stick up high enough to match up with the holes in the cam. I'm having a dickens of a time getting the bolt back in (threads won't catch) the cam that secures the linkage -- I was thinking I would push the throttle forward to lower the cam -- and HOPEFULLY be able to line up the holes. Questions: Is there a trick to getting the threads to catch on the first bolt? AND, if I push the throttle and shift linkage forward to lower the cam so I can line up the holes, will it end up that I'm going to be starting the motor in forward, when I think I'm in neutral? I would appreciate any help you can give -- I thought I was so close to having everything done -- just needed to put back the starter and fire it up!!

Casey

 

[wilde1j]

Re: 73 Johnson 50 HP Lower Unit back on -- now what?

Replacement LU may not have been in same gear as selector at helm or shift rod length not right, assuming you have the same LU as came off.

If most shift rods are rotated, effective length changes.

 

[caseystuff]

Re: 73 Johnson 50 HP Lower Unit back on -- now what?

Replacement LU may not have been in same gear as selector at helm or shift rod length not right, assuming you have the same LU as came off.

If most shift rods are rotated, effective length changes.

Thanks, Jim -- I double checked with the supply house and it is the right unit. I guess I will have to take the whole thing back off and try to rotate the rod to increase the length. I'm assuming counterclockwise to increase the length?

Casey