Powerhead Removal

I'm almost 99% sure my problem is at that shift rod bracket under the power head. No shops available anytime soon. As much as I would rather not do the job of pulling the power head, I am capable and have all the tools. Well except for a hoist high enough to clear the top of the power head. After watching a youtube video on removing the power head several times, I began the process of disconnecting all the wires, cables and hoses that were attached between the power head and midsection or boat. I was concerned about any power head bolts seizing up on this 16 year old motor, but they all came out with ease. Called a few rental places, but no one had a lift (reasonably priced) that would reach the height I needed. At the suggestion of a friend, I ended up using our big maple tree in our front yard, along with a tow strap and come along wince to lift the power head off the midsection. Got the power head off, pulled the boat back out of the way, and then used my little tractor to move the power head into the garage to store it. Found that the shift rod bracket was indeed the problem. Retainer clip had come off, the bushing had settled out of the bracket hole the shift rod went through, and the positioning pin between the bracket and midsection had fallen out when the screw was loose earlier. Also the ball and spring that ratchet into the shift rod detents had also come out of its socket. All parts are now on order and hopefully will be here by the end of next week.Read more