Check shift linkage before you tear it down

[1946Zephyr]

I often times see people on here tearing their lower units down, without making sure the linkage is adjusted properly. On a lot of the older OMC's they have ways to adjust the linkage, right at the shifter. Unfortunately, over the course of my outboard repair history, I've seen many tear down, without checking this first. OMC shift rod assemblies are notorious for getting sloppy and out of adjustment. One main culprit, is where the belcrank is bolted on the shift shaft. If the oil in the lower unit is in decent shape and doesn't get a lot of water intrusion, then worn dogs is less likely the issue, than improperly adjusted linkages and loose connections.

Just a good tip for some out there to prevent unnecessary costly rebuilds.