How to remove lower unit 35hp 3cyl Johnson 1995? BJ35EEOS

[BarelyStayingAfloat]

Hello everyone.

Maybe a stupid question but I got stuck while trying to remove the lower unit of my engine.
This is my first boat/engine so im a novice when it comes to this, so please bear with me =)

Anyhow, what I dont understand is how to disconnect the "shift rod".
I think im supposed to do this by opening the water intake screens, is this correct?

Because I think I might have got the wrong side loose when i disconnected it down there, so the "big nut" was still sitting on the shift rod so it would not pull through when lowering the lower unit.
It got dark, started rain, cold, etc so I kind of abandoned the project as I was not even sure I was trying to loosen the correct part.

So if someone could tell me in a few steps what the correct way of doing this would be id be very grateful.
And sorry if my English is not the best.

(I found this today, and think it is correct for my engine?
https://ibb.co/z8Ghjgh )

 

[flyingscott]

Yes take the intake screens off, then unscrew the nut. The nut is held on by a plastic keeper that must be removed. Slide the nut up the shaft and you will see it. Once the plastic keeper is off the nut comes off and the rod will slide through the housing. Careful not to spin the lower shaft.

 

[racerone]

The lower shift rod must be screwed all the way in at assembly.-----Make sure the upper shift rod does not turn during this work.

 

[BarelyStayingAfloat]

It is possible to remove the lower unit without removing the upper "nut"?
I tried today and got it turning by holding the shift rod with a pair of plyers.
You do need unscrew the upper fitting nut or just push it upwards?

After that just pull the plastic keeper down and off the shift rod using a pair of plyers?

And can it be reused or should it be replaced?

I've probably turned both the upper and lower shift rods while they have been disconnected while experimenting with this, but is it possible I have damaged something by doing it or is it just that I need be careful to correctly assemble it before turning the engine on again?

Thanks for your answers and I know you have allready answered some of these questions, but I just want make sure I don't mess anything up.

 

[racerone]

Sorry but if you turned the UPPER shift rod you may have to reset an adjustment to a dimension.--You have to slide the upper nut UP to remove the black plastic keeper.-----It is split !-----The instruction in post # 2 and 3 are very clear in my opinion.

 

[BarelyStayingAfloat]

Ok.
Yes the upper part of the shift rod has been spinned alot as the upper nut seemed to be stuck.
Will be going there today and try finish the job.

Thank you for your answers.

 

[racerone]

You need to get this right or it could be big $ repairs.-----Just so you know / understand the level of advice, I have 7 or 8 ( maybe more ) of these 3 cylinder motors in my parts collection.

 

[BarelyStayingAfloat]

It's off.
I had to use a hammer and screwdriver to hit it up it was stuck hard.
Thanks again

 

[racerone]

Likely stuck due to paint.-------If the lower unit was never off before , the first thing that needs to be done on the upper rod is paint removal.