73 Johnson 50 HP Starts in Forward

[caseystuff]

I replaced the lower unit on this old motor, got it back together and the water pump wasn't pumping. Pulled it back out and fixed that problem, but after getting it all together, took it to the lake and it started right up and started moving away from the dock in forward. I took it out and it ran well, but would not go back into neutral. It will go into reverse just fine. If I just take out the bolt that holds the shift rod to the shift linkage cam, can I pull up the rod in some way to put it back in reverse - or do I have to take the lower unit off again? Thank you, guys, for all the help!

 

[caseystuff]

Re: 73 Johnson 50 HP Starts in Forward

Sorry -- I meant, is there a way to pull the rod up without taking the lower unit back off, so it will shift into NEUTRAL? Sorry for the confusion.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: 73 Johnson 50 HP Starts in Forward

what year lower unit did you use?

 

[caseystuff]

Re: 73 Johnson 50 HP Starts in Forward

Sorry for the delay in getting back to you. The lower unit was factory rebuild 1973. When I first put it on and ran the motor, everything shifted fine, but the water pump wasn't putting out water. When I took it off to fix the water pump, I tried not to move anything -- it came off with the shifter in neutral. But now, it starts in forward -- and obviously puts quite a strain on the battery -- and I have to make sure no one is parked in front of me at the dock! Thank you for your suggestions.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: 73 Johnson 50 HP Starts in Forward

you have the shift linkage together wrong. did the shift rod get turned at all. this changes the length of it.

 

[caseystuff]

Re: 73 Johnson 50 HP Starts in Forward

Thanks -- the shift linkage wasn't changed at all when I pulled the lower unit out to fix the water pump. It could be that shift rod was turned half a turn -- is there any way to adjust this without having to drop the whole lower unit again? Thank you for your help!