I have a 1984 Johnson 15 hp. that I just picked up. It is having trouble shifting into forward and reverse. Sometimes it shifts very smooth to both forward and reverse. Then other times it feels like the shift rod is binding and wont go into either gear unless I spin the prop a few revs. then it will shift. I dropped the lower unit to install a new impeller kit and noticed where the shift shaft connects both ends are bent at an angle. Is this the way it is supposed to be or is it supposed to be straight. I have only changed a few impellers and both the shift shafts were disconnected under the carbs. so I have nothing to compare. Also the drive shaft pulls completely out of the lower unit. I have the lower unit out of my 1981 Johnson 35 hp to change impeller also and the drive shaft does not come out. Should I be looking for a problem in that area? Hopefully someone that has knowledge of the gear system can help out with a little wisdom. Also when I drained the lower unit gear oil it was
bad. It was really thick and black but no evidence of water. Of course when I bought the engine it was one of those times when it shifted fine and the seller did not disclose the problem. Hopefully something easy
bad. It was really thick and black but no evidence of water. Of course when I bought the engine it was one of those times when it shifted fine and the seller did not disclose the problem. Hopefully something easy