225 shift problem

[Captn Dave]

I removed the lower unit on my 1989 225 Johnson to paint it. Reinstalling it was a total pain in the butt. I've done this before and it was never this difficult. I don't know what was hanging up but I finally got it up without forcing anything.<br />After installation I put the muffs on, run the engine, shift it into forward and reverse and everything seemed to be working okay. But once in the water it was apparent that reverse wasn't engaging correctly. You could hear a ratcheting sound from the dogs. I tried adjusting the shift cable but no joy. <br />Now I'm thinking that maybe I inadvertently rotated the shift rod so last night I reluctantly remove the lower unit again. I measure the shift rod and it appears to be correct.<br />I say "appears to be correct" because I measure from the top of the lower unit housing to the "center" of the hole. Is this the correct measurement?<br />If the shift rod distance is correct does anybody have any suggestions why reverse isn't engaging?

 

[Joe Reeves]

Re: 225 shift problem

Wave..... What was hanging up was the top of that shift rod banging into the bottom portion of the hood pan etc. It's best to have the side pans removed and have someone help guide that rod as it's (as you say) a real pain!<br /><br />Best to have the shift control box in forward to keep the shift clevis out of the way also.<br /><br />When you measured the rod, the unit should have been in neutral..... was it? Measurements follow:<br /><br />200, 225hp Loop Charged = (L) 21-15/16" - - (XL) 26-15/16" plus/minus 1/32" Have the shift rod on these engines in neutral and facing forward.

 

[Captn Dave]

Re: 225 shift problem

Thanks for the response Joe.<br />Got ya on the measurement.<br />I did measure it in neutral and got 26 15/16 " at the center of the shift rod hole.<br />Is that correct? Center of hole?<br /><br />And if the rod was at the correct length,<br />what would you suggest?<br />Loosen and re-adjust the lever/clevis?<br /><br />Thanks again,<br />Dave