Johnson 30hp shifter linkage missing... (?)

[hansintheusa]

Hello!

I bought this 1992 Johnson 30hp a couple of weeks ago. The person that I bought it from had tried to take the lower unit
apart from the engine. As he did that, the lower shifter linkage (that is attached to the lower unit) -apparently dropped down in the hole (!).
Please see the attached picture.

How do I get that linkage up again? Is there anyway to do this without taking the lower unit apart?

Thanks guys!

//Hans

 

[joereeves]

That's the water intake port (Screen Area) for the water pump. If it were possible for anything to drop down below that into the gearcase, it would also allow water to flow into the gearcase as soon as the engine was put into the water... and that is impossible.

Best you double check the yard area with a magnet and a magnifying glass.

 

[racerone]

That would be a stainless rod.-----There is no way it could fall into the lower unit.----I suggest you take this lower unit apart for inspection.----There might be more surprises.

 

[hansintheusa]

Thanks, I guess I will have to take it apart then.