Shift rod adjustment?!?

strtbobber

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Oct 12, 2010
Messages
212
1977 55hp Evinrude.....model # 55772D.........I got this motor for cheap, so I replaced all seals and gaskets, replaced impeller, rebuilt fuel pump and carbs. Now it runs quite well. The problem I'm having is getting it to shift into reverse. It just "grinds", and the very odd time, it may slip into gear.

When I put the LU back on, after seals and impeller change, I didn't have the proper measuring tool to determine the shift rod length. So, before I removed the shift rod, I marked it with a sharpie, so I could at least get it close. Thing is, I have no idea if the shift rod was in the correct position before I ever took it apart, since I wasn't able to run it before purchase.

Anyway, I am able to adjust the rod without removing the LU. So, for the past 2 days I've been threading the shift rod out, one revolution at a time, and then taking it to the river for "on trailer" testing each night. It's gotten closer, but it still won't shift into reverse like it should. Like I said, the ODD time it slips in.

My question is: Should I keep threading the shift rod out one turn at a time, and eventually will it start to shift properly? Or, if I do that, do I run the risk of it not shifting into forward eventually? Or is there a risk of completely threading the rod out of the gear case?

I know about the thumb screw adjustments, but they don't provide quite enough adjustment just yet. I'm guessing because the shift rod itself needs to be adjusted more.

Please, somebody help me fix this!! Thanks!!!!
 

wilde1j

Vice Admiral
Joined
Apr 15, 2002
Messages
5,964
Re: Shift rod adjustment?!?

"the proper measuring tool" is known as a ruler or tape measure. Most people have at least one. The dimension is in the OEM shop manual and the LU has to be removed to set the rod length. Sorry, I don't have the book for your motor.
 

strtbobber

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Oct 12, 2010
Messages
212
Re: Shift rod adjustment?!?

"the proper measuring tool" is known as a ruler or tape measure. Most people have at least one. The dimension is in the OEM shop manual and the LU has to be removed to set the rod length. Sorry, I don't have the book for your motor.

Of course I have rulers and measuring tapes!!!!!! The reason I called it "the proper measuring tool" is that the manual I have states it as follows:

"Shift rod height for 1975-1978 models should be set using OMC Tool 321200"

Therefore, I don't know the proper measurement. Thanks for the in depth help (or attempt at making me look foolish)!
 

Daviet

Fleet Admiral
Joined
Sep 24, 2008
Messages
8,958
Re: Shift rod adjustment?!?

Slow down a little, go to the "Top Secret File", there is a section there on shift rod adjustments that should cover your engine.
 

strtbobber

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Oct 12, 2010
Messages
212
Re: Shift rod adjustment?!?

Slow down a little, go to the "Top Secret File", there is a section there on shift rod adjustments that should cover your engine.

Thanks, I've snooped around in there a bit, but I didn't find anything specific to my motor. Maybe I'll go browse some more. I also ordered an OEM Service Manual for it today. That should help!
 

wilde1j

Vice Admiral
Joined
Apr 15, 2002
Messages
5,964
Re: Shift rod adjustment?!?

In neutral (make sure your in detent) from the top edge of gearcase to hole middle.
 
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