My 1978 Evinrude 35hp, model 35852R shift rod won’t move

[JBits]

I took the lower unit off to change the water pump and removed the prop to check the oil seals. The shift rod will not move up or down, I believe it is stuck in the forward gear. Before I removed the lower unit, I was able to move it from forward to reverse using the shift lever.

 

[racerone]

Remove plate on side of exhaust housing.----Are both bolts in place ?-- Does upper shift rod move ?--Did you line up the notch and the hole before you put the bolt in ?

 

[JBits]

I did not install the lower unit, I tried to manually push and pull the lower unit rod.

 

[racerone]

You have to turn the propeller shaft while shifting !!----I learned to do that over 50 years ago at a Johnson dealer.----Some effort is required to move the shift rod.----Detent spring pressure is involved.

 

[JBits]

Thanks, I will try this morning

 

[JBits]

I tried it and it worked, thanks alot

 

[JBits]

I tried it and it worked, thanks a lot