85 hp johnson wont go into reverse

smokeyutah

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Nov 7, 2009
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Hi i have an 85hp johnson outboard motor and when i have the ear muffs on it it shifts into foward nutral and reverse fine but when i put it in the water it wont go in reverse and pops into foward . Can anyone tell me why it is doing this plzzzzzzz

TY smokeyutah
 

ezmobee

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Mar 26, 2007
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23,767
Re: 85 hp johnson wont go into reverse

Need to know what year the motor is (because it could be an electric shift which would affect your answers)
 

Faztbullet

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Mar 2, 2008
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15,589
Re: 85 hp johnson wont go into reverse

It does sound like a electric shift with bad wiring....
 

SparkieBoat

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Aug 17, 2009
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Re: 85 hp johnson wont go into reverse

i hate electric shift, I threw a 69' 40 HP johnson super sea horse in the trash cause it pissed me off..lol its true.
 

smokeyutah

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Re: 85 hp johnson wont go into reverse

its a 1974 85 hp johnson with electric shift the funny part about it is it works fine when not in the water with the muffs on it
 

SparkieBoat

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Aug 17, 2009
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Re: 85 hp johnson wont go into reverse

thats because it has no pressure on it, under a load it will slip because the electric shifter part does not apply enough pressure to the clutch dog to hold it engaged
 

ezmobee

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Re: 85 hp johnson wont go into reverse

'74 is not electric shift. '72 was the last year for it.
 

SparkieBoat

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Re: 85 hp johnson wont go into reverse

I didn't look it up, just went off of what Faz said..he is usually right. if its not electric shift/assist then you need to check your cable adjustment, also change foot oil and look for shavings..sounds like a worn clutch dog..if so it will not necessarily have much shavings. Unless your pretty mechanically inclined gear case work is tricky and requires some special tools, You could probably find a used foot for around $150
 

SparkieBoat

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Aug 17, 2009
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Re: 85 hp johnson wont go into reverse

Smokey do you have a model #?? how do you know its electric shift?? are you sure of the year?? I just re read some of your post and saw that you said it is an electric shift.
 

SparkieBoat

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Aug 17, 2009
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3,643
Re: 85 hp johnson wont go into reverse

If it is electric shift, I would just find a newer motor..

EDIT: soliciting is forbidden. Please use the PM system - ezmobee
 
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