I have a 1991 40hp Johnson Tracker boat. My friend was changing the
oil in the lower unit last Fall while I was doing something else... my
first mistake. Anyways, long story short he took out the shift pivot
screw instead of the drain plug.

After reading a few postings, I believe I need to remove the lower unit
to reinstall the shift rod arm to the gear shaft coupling. My friend
said he did not hear anything when he removed the screw (like the rod
dropping). Is this something a novice with some handy man intelligence
should attempt or should I truck the boat 40 miles to the nearest
dealer. Any pointers if I do attempt this repair job? Is there a
chance the I can just reinsert the screw and everything will be fine.

Thanks for any help/suggestions.

writes:

Any pointers if I do attempt this repair job?

An aftermarket shop manual is about $30 at the boat store. They're quite
detailed.

getting the manual is a half assed answer.

Might want to reply with everything in this group with that crap.

Anyway....
Is this screw located under the powerhead???

There are normally two screws by the skeg.
One on top and one on the bottom.

Thinking about it a bit more, when was the last time
you changed the water pump impeller on the motor?
You might as well drop it and then change it yourself.
Put back everything nicely and you've just done some
seasonal maintence.