How to Install a Johnson Shift Rod

The shift rod on the a Johnson outboard is a rod that runs from the upper motor to the lower unit where the drive shaft, water pump and propeller are located. The section of the shift rod on the lower unit is affixed permanently to the lower unit, so replacing the shift rod means only installing the joining linkage and the shift rod upper half. It will take approximately 15 to 20 minutes to change the shift rod.

Things You'll Need

  • Cotter pin
  • Pliers
  • Screwdriver
  • Shift rod linkage
  • Retaining screws
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Instructions

    • 1

      Slide the push rod up and into the shift lever, lining up the holes on both the rod and the lever.

    • 2

      Slide a cotter pin through the holes to hold the push rod inside the shift lover.

    • 3

      Position the lower half of the upper shift arm down into the exhaust housing where the lower unit shift rod section is. Connect the shift rod linkage clip to the lower unit section of the control arm with the screwdriver.

    • 4

      Slide the bottom of the upper shift arm into the linkage attached to the lower unit shift rod. Slide the retaining screws into place and tighten them with a screwdriver.