1996 johnson 200hp

[beach23]

PLEASE HELP. MY ENGINE WILL NOT ENGAGE INTO GEAR. IT STARTS FINE AND REVS FINE IN NEUTRAL. WHEN I GO TO ENGAGE, EITHER FORWARD OR REVERSE, ITS AS IF ITS STILL IN NEUTRAL. LINKAGE ON SIDE OF ENGINE ALL APPEAR TO BE MOVING. ANY SUGGESTIONS. THANKS IN ADVANCE, JEFF

 

[The Marine Doctor]

Re: 1996 johnson 200hp

If the engine is not running can you engage the gears? Have someone shift while the engine is OFF and turn the prop to see if it catches.<br /><br />Possible problems...broken driveshaft...spun hub in the prop...torn out gears.<br /><br />Is the shift shaft moving up and down?<br /><br />TMD

 

[rjarreau]

Re: 1996 johnson 200hp

Remove the cover in front of the carbs. under the carbs at the very bottom is where the shifting linkage connects. it will be a 1\4 steel rod coming from the lower unit. it is very possible that the screw came out and it is not pushing or pulling the rod going to the lower unit. if this is not your problem then you have a lower unit failure. the clutch dog may not be moving back and forth in the lower unit. "bring it to a shop" good luck !!!!

 

[beach23]

Re: 1996 johnson 200hp

Not sure if it will engage while engine off, although I think not. Wouldn't a spun prop turn somewhat under no pressure? You don't feel the normal "engage" feeling from shift lever.<br />Is the shift shaft located under carbs as described by other person? Thanks in advance.

 

[beach23]

Re: 1996 johnson 200hp

RJARR:<br />It seams to me that all the linkage is on the side of the motor. I didn't notice any connections towards the front by the carbs. I'll have to recheck. It appears to me that all linkage is moving.

 

[The Marine Doctor]

Re: 1996 johnson 200hp

The shift shaft is indeed located under the carbs...and is the length of the leg to the gearcase. You should be able to see it.<br /><br />Or look slighly above where the gearcase bolts to the leg...in the front. You may see it move there. Again...takes 2 people to do this.<br /><br />TMD

 

[beach23]

Re: 1996 johnson 200hp

So I should remove the plastic cover that is covering the carbs on the front of the engine, look for metal rod which will run from my cable linkage to a shaft that runs down to the lower unit. Then see if this metal rod moves while somebody moves shift lever. If it does move then I have a problem in my lower unit. If it doesn't move then probably a linkage problem?

 

[clanton]

Re: 1996 johnson 200hp

The shift disconnect screw is under the carbs you remove the screw on port side of engine, screw should be 3/8 hex with common screwdriver slot. You should be able to shift with out running engine, you just have to turn the prop 1/2 turn to engage clutch dog.

 

[beach23]

Re: 1996 johnson 200hp

Thanks to everyone for their advice. Will check out motor in morning to see if I can figure out the problem, JP