Irritating problem with '96 Johnson 225

[Reel Appeal]

Calling all OMC guru's!<br />I seem to have a problem switching gears....<br />Some kind of linkage problem I suspect.Anyway,when moving the gear selector from forward to neutral,It kinda hangs up(stays in forward) before finding neutral.I have to jiggle the helm shifter a little each time.This problem sometimes makes the motor stall(while shifting into neutral).Any idea's??

 

[Hooty]

Re: Irritating problem with '96 Johnson 225

My first thought is linkage adjustment. It's the easiest to deal with too. With the control in neutral, remove the shift cable at the engine end and be sure there is sufficient travel to shift. Manually shift gears at the engine to be sure problem isn't in lower unit.<br /><br />c/6<br /><br />Hooty

 

[Hooty]

Re: Irritating problem with '96 Johnson 225

Had another thought (makes my head hurt). How old is the shift cable? It may need lubing or it may need replacing.<br /><br />g'luck & c/6<br /><br />Hooty

 

[Reel Appeal]

Re: Irritating problem with '96 Johnson 225

Thanks Hooty for your reply.<br />The shifter box and cables are brand new Bombardier installed this summer.I'm pretty sure the lower unit is in good shape(serviced/re-sealed summer also by OMC tech.)I've also tried adjusting the cables,but not much help.<br />I noticed there is a grease fitting below the carbs on the shift rod linkage.I wonder if greasing that would help?It seems to move freely,not sure.<br />What do you think?

 

[ob]

Re: Irritating problem with '96 Johnson 225

reel appeal, try removing pin from plastic clevis on shift linkage and operate by hand to insure shift arm isn't sticky.May have to have someone turn prop a bit while shifting.

 

[seahorse5]

Re: Irritating problem with '96 Johnson 225

You may have an adjustment or sloppy linkage problem. Most likely the shift shaft is stiff with corrosion in the o-ring seal at the gearcase, or the shift interrupter switch on the motor is inoperative.

 

[DMC]

Re: Irritating problem with '96 Johnson 225

I had a the same type of problem with my Suzuki once. The only difference was the RPM's wouldn't return to idle. Closer examination of the linkage revealed that the lock nuts on the throttle and shifter cables were loose.<br /> I strongly suggest that before making any adjustments that you put your motor in gear while the engine is running then shut it off. Or another option is to have someone turn the propeller by hand while you put it in gear, engine off of course. This will properly line up your gears for smooth engagement. If you attempt to force your motor in gear with the engine off you can damage the shift components.<br />First thing I would check is that the brackets on the front of the motor where the cables enter the engine compartment. Make sure they are tight. If they are not tight then they may have slipped.<br />While you messing around with your shift cables make sure you are getting full throttle. Make certain that your shift lever-Pawl on the motor is completely engaging and is as close as possible to an eqaully neutral position between ahead and astern.<br />After I got mine where I wanted it I coated the lock nuts with finger nail polish. Locktite works better.<br /><br />Do you have a factory shop manual for your specific engine? If not I highly recommend getting one. The cost is cheap compared to the cost of ignorance.<br /><br />Good Luck<br /><br />DMC

 

[Joe Reeves]

Re: Irritating problem with '96 Johnson 225

Reel..... Remove the 3/8" nut and washer from the shift cable where it attaches to the engine shift linkage arm, then remove the cable from that linkage arm.<br /><br />You'll notice that in neutral, due to play in the linkage, you will be able to move that engine shift arm back and forth slightly. Find the center of that play.<br /><br />Now, you will also notice, with the control box in neutral, that there is also a slight bit of play in the shift cable when you push or pull on the sleeve ( that long plastic part of the cable that was attached with the 3/8" nut).<br /><br />Install the shift cable so that the center of the cable play coincides with the engine shift linkage play.<br /><br />That should eliminate your problem as it sounds like the shift cable (by your explanation) was not adjusted properly to begin with.

 

[Reel Appeal]

Re: Irritating problem with '96 Johnson 225

WOW!<br /> Thank you all for your input!I will check these items out as soon as the weather clears up.I think Joe hit this one right on the head..<br />Thanks again...