I made a boo boo - shift shaft

[jason32038]

86' 85hp I messed up...not knowing what I was doing I unscrewed the shift shaft and pulled it out of the lower unit. Heard a sound in lower. I didn't touch the pivot screw. Drained gear oil and used screwdriver in drain hole to move pivot and shift to get the shaft screwed in again. I'm having a hard time...is it possible to remove the lower unit housing cover to get a better view to get the shaft reinstalled? The housing cover seems pretty stuck on in the middle where the water pump goes. What are the odds of this working? I DO NOT want to take apart the lower unit if I dont have to.

 

[pnwboat]

Re: I made a boo boo - shift shaft

Yes you can remove the lower unit top cover to re-install the shift shaft. The top cover where the water pump is attached is made from thin cast aluminum or some type of aluminum alloy. What ever you do, don't pry on the ends. There's a good possibility that you'll break it because this is where it is the thinnest. Only pry in the area right where the water pump goes. Might try tapping with a rubber mallet while prying gently. Once it's off, you'll be able to see where the shift shaft screws in without taking the rest of the lower unit apart. Might also be a good time to replace the impeller too if it hasn't been done in a couple of years.

 

[jason32038]

Re: I made a boo boo - shift shaft

Thankyou! Water impellar is ok only slight wear. Changed it in summer 2009 then it broke down shortly after so it hasnt seen much use. I do have another question...are the round tips at the end of the impellar a type of wear indicator or are they like that just for the hell of it? Thanks!

 

[jason32038]

Re: I made a boo boo - shift shaft

Thanks again! Already fixed it took about 20 minutes to take it apart and put it back together. I had to do it so I could sleep tonight!