25hp johnson slips into reverse

[quietstorm]

Hi,I have a 96 model tiller steer johnson that seems to slip into reverse from neutral too easily. I have to be careful when shifting from forward to neutral because it'll just go straight into reverse.Shifting from neutral to forward seems firm but from neutral into reverse is very easy. Shifting from forward into neutral often sees it going straight into reverse if i'm not careful.There's a bit of play in the gear shift lever on the motor when in neutral.Any suggestions on where to start looking...?Thanks,Storm.

[OBJ]

Can you feel the detents when shifting? You should feel a noticable "click" when shifting into or out of gear.Have you had any work done to the engine lately that would require the lower unit to be removed or any work around the neutral start plunger or cam on the starboard side of the engine?

[quietstorm]

The "click" is more nitcable when shifting into forward.I've just purchased the engine second hand - not sure of the work history but i doubt that it was worked on recently.Thanks,Storm

[quietstorm]

just had another look at the engine, definately litle resistance when shifting from neutral into reverse.apart from that prob the motor seems fine - took it out on the weekend, noticed that when i go to shift into neutral from forward that it was going straigt into reverse if i wasn't very careful. Also noted on a few occasions that the motor was stopped when in neutral but somehow managed to slip into reverse when i went to start the engine again.would the prob most likely be in the shift mechanism under the cowel or in the gearbox itself.thanks,storm

[Johnnielund]

I have a 1990 30 HP johnson that does the same thing. I spoke with Tech Support at Bombardier and the Tech suggested I try changing the "shift actuator cam" (p/n 335342) $8.95. If not he said the problem is more than likely in the lower unit (springs and ball bearings) I'm gonna install this the first chance I get. However, since I live in Illinois I won't get to test untill probaly sometime next year in May. I'll let you know.