Reconnecting shift rod located under carborator? 1978 Johnson 85 hp

[Fisherman37]

There must be a trick to this. I disconnected the upper end of the shift rod located under carborater on my 1978 Johnson 85 hp. Dropped the lower unit, replaced the water pump and reinstalled the lower unit. Now I can't get the upper end of the shift rod lined up to reconnect it to the lever. Very little room to work and hard to see what I'm doing. Is there a "trick of the trade" for doing this. I hate to think about removing the carborater. I have disconnected the shift cables from the shift levers on the motor in order to more easily move the lever and give me more room but still no luck. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

 

[medic2051]

Re: Reconnecting shift rod located under carborator? 1978 Johnson 85 hp

Had same problem with my '75. Solved it by accessing shift rod in an opening below power head but above lower unit on front of shaft. Used needle nose pliers to pull up shift rod. Good luck.

 

[xikxak]

Re: Reconnecting shift rod located under carborator? 1978 Johnson 85 hp

Been working on the same thing all afternoon.waiting for dark so my light shows more. working in the sun it's hard to see under the carbs. good luck. dave

 

[Fisherman37]

Re: Reconnecting shift rod located under carborator? 1978 Johnson 85 hp

I tried the needle nose pliers but couldn't see good enough. Trying after dark sounds like a good idea. Thanks guys

 

[piniongear]

Re: Reconnecting shift rod located under carborator? 1978 Johnson 85 hp

You did not happen to distrube the heigth setting of the shift rod when you took it apart/put it back together did you? Otherwise, needle nose pliers are the tool to use. To get a preliminary line up, use a small tapered punch to stick in the hole(s). This will automatically allign the two, then hold your breath and try to stab the pin thru......piniongear

 

[Walker]

Re: Reconnecting shift rod located under carborator? 1978 Johnson 85 hp

If all else fails pull the bottom carb off.

 

[xikxak]

Re: Reconnecting shift rod located under carborator? 1978 Johnson 85 hp

Fisherman,I just got mine on.No problem.Used a cut off wire hanger to line up.3/8 socket with a 10 in extension and universal joint.put a little paper in the socket to hold the screw tight and away she went.Dont do it on the grass or stone driveway.these pins are hard to find. dave

 

[Fisherman37]

Re: Reconnecting shift rod located under carborator? 1978 Johnson 85 hp

I just got it reconnected thanks to all the good advice. Once I had it lined up properly it slipped right in the slot. I couldn't get needle nose pliers to work. Once I would get them on the shift rod between the power head and lower unit there was no room left to rotate them. I slipped a screwdriver in and tapped lightly from both sides until I had the flat part of the rod with the hole on it lined up properly with the slot. Thanks everyone. Your advice is appreciated.<br /><br />Bob