1998 johnson 35 hp difficulty getting upper shift rod to thread

[myirishwaltz]

Model -J35QLECA I mistakenly unthreaded the upper (20inch) shift rod from the shift linkage. diagram shows a single piece of threaded stock on inside of engine attached to shift linkage but I cannot line up the rod and threaded stock and start the thread. Do I have to put the linkage in a certain position. Appeciate the help.Also is the top of the shift rod purposely bent?

 

[racerone]

Remove powerhead to re-install the rod.-----Has the oil tank and mixing unit been thrown away ?----And when you install the upper rod you have to set it to a certain distance.----That number may or may not be in the manual.

 

[myirishwaltz]

Remove powerhead to re-install the rod.-----Has the oil tank and mixing unit been thrown away ?----And when you install the upper rod you have to set it to a certain distance.----That number may or may not be in the manual.

Thank you .Yes the oil tank and mixing unit removed by previous owner. Does the upper shaft have a bend ....we may have mistakenly straightened it out.

 

[racerone]

Come daylight tomorrow I can have a look at one.----Have more than one of these for parts.

 

[racerone]

Looked at one a while ago.----Appears to be straight at the top where it threads into the black plastic piece.

 

[myirishwaltz]

Thank you... I thought I straightened it by mistake.

Looked at one a while ago.----Appears to be straight at the top where it threads into the black plastic piece.

 

[myirishwaltz]

Does anyone know the measurement of the upper rod when threaded and connected so that trans will shift correctly? ref 98 Johnson 35hp model J35QLECA