Access to Shift Rod

[l_striker]

Can someone please tell me how to get to the shift rod on my 1985 Evinrude 70hp VRO? The VRO itself seems to be blocking access to it. Do I need to remove it?

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Access to Shift Rod

remove air silencer, and anything else in the way. don't
drop the screw!!

 

[Rick.]

Re: Access to Shift Rod

I just changed the impeller (first time) on my 1995 40hp. The book starts by saying 'disconnect shift linkage'. Well I'll tell you that was quite a job. Had my son helping and I was sure glad. We ended up removing air silencer, lower carb., and the starter to get access to the shift linkage. It was quite a job and took a fair bit of time. Even with the parts removed access to the bolt was very tight and difficult but we did get it done. Makes me appreciate the small motors even more. Best of luck. Rick.

 

[fishtails]

Re: Access to Shift Rod

Are you trying to disconnect the shift rod to be able to remove the lower unit? If so and if your motor is like my 1986 50 HP Evinrude, put the gear shift in reverse, pull both pins on the right side of the motor that connect the shift links, then push the linkage over to the left then turn it. At that point the gear shift rod is disconnected on mine. My VRO has been permanently removed, so I'm not sure about having to remove that.

 

[l_striker]

Re: Access to Shift Rod

I finally got the lower unit back together after MANY hours of trying. The top of the shift rod has an eye on it. Getting that eye in the correct position so that it locks into place is amazingly difficult. Without another set of hands helping I would say it'd be almost impossible without taking apart much of the engine. I've changed impellers on 7.5 to 100 HP outboards and this one was by far the hardest. If the VRO had been removed it might not have been too bad but trying to disconnect it could have opened up a whole new can of worms.

 

[Rick.]

Re: Access to Shift Rod

VRO in or out it is bloody difficult. Makes you want to salute all the Marine pro's who do these jobs day in and day out. They earn their money for certain. Glad to hear your back in the game now. Rick.