1980 Johnson 70 HP - Not Shifting into Gear

[Zoob]

Ran good last year, this year as I'm tuning it up, replacing fluids and the like - the lower unit isn't shifting into gear. SOMETIMES it will shift into reverse, if I jimmy the prop a bit, and shift with the engine off - then it's stuck in reverse - the lever won't shift it back to neutral.

Normally, when its shifting, I feel the clunk as it goes into gear - when the engine is running, it's all free flowing - I don't feel any clunk.

With the hood off, I can see the cables are doing work - it's moving levers and turning things on the side of the hood - but it's just not shifting into gears.

Any ideas?

 

[Zoob]

Re: 1980 Johnson 70 HP - Not Shifting into Gear

As a follow up - I disconnected the control cables and tried shifting it manually - and no go. If I try manually shifting into forward, it doesn't feel like it's engaging anything. Just doesn't seem to be doing anything.

What am I looking at here?

 

[bill4157]

Re: 1980 Johnson 70 HP - Not Shifting into Gear

Did you ever figure out the problem???
I have the same issue with the same motor
Thanks

 

[lazyb0y]

Same problem! Been told to try and get a new leg! I am literally about to remove mine and I'll let u guys know what I find!

 

[timkelly]

I'm looking for some Control parts on my 70 hp, 1980 Johnson. The plastic parts namely, inside the throttle Control Box. Any for sale?

 

[GA_Boater]

I'm looking for some Control parts on my 70 hp, 1980 Johnson. The plastic parts namely, inside the throttle Control Box. Any for sale?

Old thread and no buying or selling in the forum. Closed