New lower unit, now everything is backwards

Ok, I bought a new lower unit for my engine, it is from a 1976 evinrude 75 hp. I have a 1980 johnson 75hp. I was told this is compatible with my engine.<br /><br />I installed the engine and everything lined up correctly after playing with the shift rod for a while. However, when I shift into forward is appears to be reverse, the prop spins counter-clockwise. Looking at the prop it looks like it should spin clockwise. Not totally sure on this as I haven't taken it to the water yet.<br /><br />I have checked out my other prop from the other engine, and it is the same shape, not a reverse prop. The other one worked fine until the gears started to clunk.<br /><br />I'm thinking the gears in the lower unit have been reversed or did this year l/u come like that? Is there anything I can do? Maybe purchase a reverse prop, but this is a one engine boat? Would that cause any problems for the engine?<br /><br />Sorry for asking so many questions. I'm kinda clueless at this point.<br /><br />Ben

Re: New lower unit, now everything is backwards

You may have bought a lower unit that is part of a twin engine set ,the one that rotates to the left.

Re: New lower unit, now everything is backwards

I forgot to mention the prop currently on the l/u, came with it. I would assume it is suppose to be that way, but maybe they switched props?<br /><br />If it is a reverse l/u is there any ID on it that will tell me? The l/u has been painted recently, so it would have to be a indent for me to see it.<br /><br />Also, could I just get a reverse prop and be done with it, if it is a reverse l/u. Or is this bad for the engine?

Re: New lower unit, now everything is backwards

There are no "counter rotating" gearcases for that size engine. The shift could be switched at the control box. You may have to reattach it there to correspond with proper operation.

Re: New lower unit, now everything is backwards

hello<br /> the early 70's and 80 models had a different shift mechanism in the lower case. one pulled the rod for fwd and the other pushed the rod for fwd. you may have a case that phyisically fits but wont work.

Re: New lower unit, now everything is backwards

It will work but you have to get the shift linkage off the powerhead the lower came from. No big deal, it can be done.

Re: New lower unit, now everything is backwards

I have it all the linkage hooked up now. And it shifts fine, just backwards of what it should be. Do I still have to get the linkage from the other boat? Or can I just get a reverse prop?

Re: New lower unit, now everything is backwards

Unless I'm missing something,as long as your fwd/rev throttle range is where it should be ,a left hand prop would work if you could find one that fits.Trouble is the shift controls are backwards and won't afford the travel. Are you saying that you installed the older shift linkage from the older style lower unit?

Re: New lower unit, now everything is backwards

I only installed the lower unit. Sorry for any confusion. <br /><br />I'm not able to get the linkage. This is why I'm trying to find a work around, if possible.

Re: New lower unit, now everything is backwards

Any chance of trading it off for a later model unit?That's what I would do.

Re: New lower unit, now everything is backwards

If you could find a left hand prop youd be running on the reverse gear to go forward. The V6 ones Ive seen do that had the lower last about 1/2 mile. The reverse gear was never meant to take that load. <br /><br />The simplest thing is to get the linkage off the motor the lower came from. Not the boat controls. The linkage bolted to the powerhead. It shifts different than yours.<br /><br />The lower unit is fine, your controls are fine, your prop is fine. You simply need the shift linkage from the other motor.

Re: New lower unit, now everything is backwards

Go visit your friendly OMC/BRP dealer. Have him help you look thru those 3 cylinder parts books for those years (or near abouts). You'll find that shift linkage variations (corresponding to gearcase differences) specific to short shaft vs. long shaft engines. The gearcases were/are different but can be overcome with exchanging the linkage on the engine block! If you look two or three years before to two or three years after, you'll see the differences. It'll take about 6 minutes to find and see the descrepencys in ther parts book! To make a long story short, you got the wrong gearcase, but, you can use it by changing linkages (which will reverse the shift geometry).

Re: New lower unit, now everything is backwards

Hey BH,I feel for you.I had the same deal with my 78 140 manual shift.I accidently bought a hydraulic assist gearcase and it fit perfectly until I ran it.It went the wrong way.Aftermany hours of changing shift rods,levers etc it now sits in my garage as I try to find the right lower.Good luck. Dave

Re: New lower unit, now everything is backwards

OK well i guess the best thing would be to get the correct lower unit. The guy I bought it from said it would work with my engine. Oh well. I paid $250 for it. Does any one know of a place that has realiable l/u's. I found this place, what do you think.<br /> http://www.smalloutboards.com/lowerunits.htm <br /><br />I hate to spend that much money for a 25 year old engine.

Re: New lower unit, now everything is backwards

It will work. But you need a couple of pieces off the powerhead the lower came from. Or the pieces from that year motor.<br /><br />If the guy who sold it cant help, try a salvage yard. Those pieces should be easy to find. probably easier than another unit.