The shift rod on that lower unit has a barrel type top screw on connector. That should be screwed all the way down, then backed off just to a point whereas the offset (the high portion) is facing forward. Is it?
Has anyone had your control box apart? If so, something is not asembled properly. If not, possibly the shift cable trunion (the threaded adjustable knob on the cable at the engine) was not clamped properly into its socket at the starboard forward portion of the engine, or.......
while the shift cable was off the engine, someone screwed that adjustable trunion way off from where it's supposed to be, is which case, do this (Taken from my database so a few things will be repeated).
(Lower Unit Shift Rod Adjustments/Measurements)
(Rod DOES NOT screw into lower unit - Barrel Screws To Top Of Shift Rod)
(J. Reeves)
The older model engines such as the 1977 Johnson 115hp model, among others, has a barrel like shift connector that threads to the top of the shift rod (rod does not screw into lower unit). The proper method for installing that barrel is to screw itl all the way down, then to back it up until it faces forward... that's it.
Now, that barrel should have a white nylon bushing in it. If it does not have that bushing installed, it would be impossible to adjust the shift due to the existing play within the barrels shift hole. Nylon bushing is OMC part number #318590.
When all is as it should be, the proper method to adjust the shift cable is to disconnect the cable from the engine. Move the shift linkage on the engine to find the center of the play in neutral, and when found, leave it centered.
Now, grab the end of the shift cable sleeve, push and pull it to find the center of the play there, and center that play.
Adjust the trunion on the threaded portion of the shift cable so that the centered play of the cable lines up with the centered play of the engine's shift linkage. Install and lock the shift cable with the retaining clamp in that position. That's it.
1976 Evinrude 200 hp shifter trouble
Linear Mode
