September 17, 1959
Bulletin No. SB 731
SUBJECT: SHIFT LEVER CROSS SHAFT RDS-20 thru RD, RDS-21B.
Now available from your Parts Distributor is a re-
designed shift lever cross shaft assembly as shown (#1).
The new assembly part number 378054 supersedes shift
lever shaft 305553.
The new assembly 378054 is so designed to provide better
and longer lasting lubrication, badly needed especially
in salt water areas. When the powerhead is removed for
any reason, or difficulty is experienced with the old
shift lever shaft 305553 the new assembly 378054 should
be installed.
To install the new assembly proceed as follows:
1. Drill a 1/16" diameter hole in the exhaust housing at
the location indicated (#2). IMPORTANT-This hole must
be drilled in the housing to provide a pressure relief
when lubricating. Without this relief the small o-ring
part 303191 will be forced out of its location. Insert
bearing 307451 in the exhaust housing.
2. Place the following parts on the shift lever shaft in
this order. 1- 305581 bearing, 307450 o-ring, and 303191
o-ring. Lubricate the bearing and o-rings liberally
with OMC type "A" lubricant. Insert the shaft part way
and slip part 307452 spacer over the end (large notch
toward the starboard side). Using extreme caution, so
that the o-rings will not be damaged, proceed to place
the shaft in its operating position. Make certain the
keyed flange on 305581 bearing is located properly at
the exhaust housing.
3. To prevent horizontal movement of the shift lever
shaft, is the function of the nylon-spacer part 307452.
Locate the shift rod clevis (#3) in the notched end of
the nylon sleeve and secure. Lubricate the shaft bearing
liberally with the OMC type "A" lubricant, and proceed
to reassemble the engine.
Order the new shift lever shaft assembly part number
378054, from your Parts Distributor.
Jack Penland