not going into forward

[trainwrecker22]

I have a 1996 Johnson ocean runner 200 2 smoke. She will not go into forward, reverse works just fine tho

 

[Chris1956]

Gee, usually it is the reverse. The shift rod needs to go up to get into forward. Look at the linkage under the carbs and see if it moves. The linkage needs to slide to starboard to release the shift rod if you want to drop the gearcase. When the linkage moves starboard, it can hang up on the side of the carb or throttle cable clamp.

Maybe your linkage is hanging?

 

[trainwrecker22]

Thank you! I was figuring it was in the lower unit. I hope its something this simple

 

[Chris1956]

If you cannot find it, you will need to drop the gearcase and check for gear selection manually. Also check the shift rod height. If someone had the gearcase off, they could have changed it.