help

[yooper D]

Does anyone know in detail how to tighten the shifting linkage on a 1983 35 hp tiller Johnson. The motor stays in neutral unless I manually push up on the linkage rods in the lower unit. It won't go into forward with the lever on the side of the motor. People tell me that the fix is easy but can't explain to me how it's done. I hope to find somebody knowledgeable. Thanks

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: help

i guess it's time for a manual.

 

[F_R]

Re: help

So you are saying there is a lot of slack in the shift rod? You can move it up and down without moving the lever? The lever on the inner end of the shift handle shaft is probably loose. Powerhead removal is required. Not exactly an "easy" fix.

 

[yooper D]

Re: help

The rods are not loose it's just when you try to put it in gear with the lever it will not go unless I help it by prying up on the rods in the little cover on the side of the lower unit.

 

[po1973]

Re: help

I'm having similar issues with my 18hp evinrude; it's most likely the brass shift rod connector that ties the lower unit shift rod to the upper shift rod. The rod(s) must be inserted into the brass connector just "right" or you'll end up with sloppy or no-shift situations. There is a groove/notch that the lower rod must be inserted into.

Apparently you must remove the lower bolt on the brass connector to get proper fitment or else you'll strip the threads on the brass and then the shift rod gets sloppy and you'll be SOL in the middle of a lake with wind blowing you across and the water temp too low to walk it around so you'll really be up a creek.

 

[F_R]

Re: help

The rods are not loose it's just when you try to put it in gear with the lever it will not go unless I help it by prying up on the rods in the little cover on the side of the lower unit.

If there is no slack in the linkage you would not be able to raise it any higher than the shifter raised it. Something has to be loose.