88 Evinrude 70hp - shift rod height?

[RedDawgTx]

Hoping someone can tell me the correct shift rod height for my 1988 70hp Evinrude.
Model #E70TLCC
I found one item that said 21 -11/16 from base. Well that wasn’t correct. Goes into forward just fine but no reverse. With that setting, the cable trunion has to be adjusted all the way forward-which can’t be correct.

No matter how slowly I attempt to go into reverse, all it does is clickity clickity grinding. I only attempt this for a second or two before giving up. I’ve had the lower unit off about 10 times trying to find the sweet spot but am now at a loss as to what to do.

My shift rod has the left side bend to it. (Don’t know if that makes a difference but I saw a reference where some rods pointed forward).

Any help or ideas greatly appreciated!

 

[racerone]

How did it shift last season ???----Use 21 23/32"---But you are close to that.-----And get rid of that home made shift rod too.-----And you are not supposed to shift slowly !!----Take the lower unit apart.-----There might be more to it than the shift rod.

 

[RedDawgTx]

Don’t know about last season. Was given this motor as a “project”. Got it running great! 28-30mph with heavy boat. Shifts fine on the driveway (water flowing, motor running). Problem shows up in the water.

History: I had to replace the water pump. Like an idiot I didn’t verify the shift rod height and must’ve turned it one way or the other.

(The shift rod pic was just to show which way mine is pointed. Mine has the original shift rod.)

Truthfully, it feels like the shifter isn’t going all the way down to engage reverse. Was thinking about disconnecting the shift arm from the cable, launching the boat and attempt to manually throw it into reverse by hand. I can do that on the driveway but things are different in the water.

I’m hoping this is just a matter of finding the “sweet spot” and not a reverse gear case issue.

Thanks for the reply!