reverse will not stay engaged

[marshcreeper]

1995 Johnson 70HP, motor will no longer shift to reverse. gears grind. When manually shifting at motor with cables disconnected, will easily shift from neutral to forward and stay in gear. However, slighlty harder to shift from neutral to reverse, and will only stay in reverse if i hold the shifter lever on the motor in the reverse position? Otherwise will pop itself back into neutral. Any help would be appreciated.

 

[ezeke]

Re: reverse will not stay engaged

Have you had the lower unit off for any reason? If so, you may need to reset the shift rod length.

 

[marshcreeper]

Re: reverse will not stay engaged

I did change the water pump last year and have used the motor a few times without a problem since the change.

 

[T Smack]

Re: reverse will not stay engaged

I did change the water pump last year and have used the motor a few times without a problem since the change.

Yea you gonna have to adjust the shift rod but I would suggest trying to adjust the shift cable at the motor first.

 

[marshcreeper]

Re: reverse will not stay engaged

I adjusted the shift cable although it has been in the same position for 10 years. Motor would engage in reverse while running with ears; however, when in the water will not engage from the get go. I can hold it by hand on the motor in reverse if i push the shifter rod as far back as i can. Stumped?

 

[T Smack]

Re: reverse will not stay engaged

You going to have to re-adjust your shift shaft. Spin it counter clockwise. I find it that you don't really have to remove the lower unit to do it. But you do have loosen it up a lil where it will drop down a bit but still holding up by the bolt then use a pliers and twist it a couple to a few full circle depending on how far it off on adjustment.