johnson shift problem

[alden135]

my uncles 1987 johnson 90 does not shift into reverse unless you manually move the lever on the motor. The cable is adjusted all the way out so we added a bolt to move the cable forward on the lever (engine end). I am just curious if it is possible that the shift rod inside the motor is not properly adjusted. Is it possible that someone may have removed the lower unit at some time for service and somehow fouled up the shift rod? We don't want to make things worse. Any advice would be appreciated. (I am waiting to get the mod.# before we do anything specific.) Thanks.

 

[ob]

Re: johnson shift problem

Disconnect the shift arm from the cable clevis and using just the shift arm,see if it shifts ok.If not there is an issue with the shift dawg or the shift rod.If so,the issue is with the control box or cable linkage adujustment.

 

[Dhadley]

Re: johnson shift problem

Did this problem start after the lower unit was removed and repalced or has it just slowly gotten worse?

 

[alden135]

Re: johnson shift problem

My uncle just bought the boat last summer and we have had the problem straight through. Thanks for the info from both admirals. We're going to get the boat inside and drop the lower unit and measure/check the shift rod. Thanks again.

 

[Walker]

Re: johnson shift problem

Its also very possible that your shift cable hsa stretched and just won't make the "Throw" from forward to reverse anymore.

 

[Solittle]

Re: johnson shift problem

alden - Most likely it is the cable as Walker suggests. The linkage to the lower unit in the motor is a solid shaft that does not shrink or stretch as a cable will.<br /><br />If you do drop the lower unit be sure to use the OMC shop manual specific to your motor for the specification. And while you are there replace the water pump.

 

[OBJ]

Re: johnson shift problem

Just another couple cents worth here....a cable that's to long can also cause the shift problem. The shift and throttle cable should follow a line approx. with the gunrail, come out and make a nice loop into the engine. The loop is to allow for the turning of the engine.