1977 Johnson 115 shift rod length

[Tucker]

My manual gives the lengths for 1978 and newer but tells me I need a special tool for anything older. I'm sure there is a measurement. Please help.

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: 1977 Johnson 115 shift rod length

Hi Tucker,

Check this out:

http://forums.iboats.com/bbBoard.cgi?a=viewthread;fid=36;gtid=1035577 ] Click Here [/url]

 

[Joe Reeves]

Re: 1977 Johnson 115 shift rod length

If memory serves me correctly, the 1977 115hp model has a barrel type connector that screws on top of the shift rod.

If so, simply screw it all the way down, then turn it back until the high portion of the barrel is forward. Locktite on the threads will keep it where it belongs.

Should you have the later type shift setup for some reason, such as the 1977 140hp, the measurement , taken from the top surface of the lower unit to the center of the shift rod hole, is as follows:

1977 - 140hp = (L) 21-13/32" -- (XL) 26-13/32" plus/minus 1/32". have shift rod in neutral.

 

[Tucker]

Re: 1977 Johnson 115 shift rod length

Hi Tucker,

Check this out:

http://forums.iboats.com/bbBoard.cgi?a=viewthread;fid=36;gtid=1035577 ] Click Here [/url]

Thanks. I looked all over the internet for it. This site rocks.

 

[Tucker]

Re: 1977 Johnson 115 shift rod length

Thanks. I was trying 21 13/16 based on the 78' measurement which I thought was 21 13/16 but I was wrong. This site rocks.

 

[Tucker]

Re: 1977 Johnson 115 shift rod length

OK. I set the shift rod to 21 13/32 and it seemed to go into forward but not reverse. It seemed to be hitting engine above the rod so I tightened it down some more. Now it shifts into forward at first but after shifting into reverse it won't go back into forward. If I pry up on the arm attached to the rod it will shift into forward. Can I fine-tune the shifting using the ends of the shift cables??

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: 1977 Johnson 115 shift rod length

Yes, it's worth a try....But the best way to do it is to disconnect the shift cable from the arm. Then adjust the cable so it just slips on in neutral(With the control in neutral of course)...

 

[Joe Reeves]

Re: 1977 Johnson 115 shift rod length

What is the model number of that engine?

 

[Tucker]

Re: 1977 Johnson 115 shift rod length

115el77s

 

[Joe Reeves]

Re: 1977 Johnson 115 shift rod length

The model number of 115EL77S is indeed a 1977 115hp Johnson. I just checked all my books on that model rather than rely on memory.

The books show the older type shift rod which has the threaded barrel type connector attached to the top of the rod as per my initial reply.

Have you, or anyone else made conversions to the engine shift linkage setup, and/or installed a lower unit from a different model engine?

 

[ezeke]

Re: 1977 Johnson 115 shift rod length

OBJ's chart does not list a value for the 1977 115, which came with the same gearcase as my 1976 115.

Both are as Joe Reeves has described them if they are stock gearcases.

 

[Tucker]

Re: 1977 Johnson 115 shift rod length

Not sure the history of this engine I bought it a few years ago so who know if the lower unit was switched out. But it does have the barrel type connector.

 

[ezeke]

Re: 1977 Johnson 115 shift rod length

The skeg goes straight down on the 73-77 115 gearcase. The 78 on have the skegs +/- 45 degrees from the perpendicular.

The 73-77 115 shift rod has the barrel at the top of the shift rod and does not adjust at the bottom of the shift rod. The 78 on 115 has the shift rod bent at a +/- 45 degree angle at the top. Length adjustment on those is at the bottom by turning the entire shift rod.

They cannot be simply switched out. You have to modify the midsection and the cooling system to switch them.

You can easily determine what you have by comparing it to the parts diagram for your model on the BRP parts manual site.

Copy the URL to your browser without the quotation marks: "http://epc.brp.com/default.aspx?brands=ej&lang=E"

 

[Tucker]

Re: 1977 Johnson 115 shift rod length

It has the straight rod with barrel type connector. The problem is that when I set it to 21 13/32 it bottoms out and hits the engine before shifting into reverse. I screwed the barrel down two turns. Now it shifts into reverse but not back into forward.

 

[ezeke]

Re: 1977 Johnson 115 shift rod length

That measurement is not for your motor. Read Joe Reeves' first entry again.

 

[Joe Reeves]

Re: 1977 Johnson 115 shift rod length

If you read my initial reply pertaining to the shift setup you have.... There Is No Adjustment!. Simply screw that barrel all the way down, then back it up just to where the highest part of that barrel (the normal position) is facing forward.

You're hung up on the adjustment method that only applies to the later model engines, not the one you have. Disregard the measurement setup.

Now, with that barrel connector in that position, if you have a shift problem, the problem is elsewhere.

There should be a nylon bushing in that Barrel Connector.... part #318590. If that bushing is missing or if either or both of the two (2) bushings, part #318248, in the shift bellcrank (the levers that are bolted to the lower front of the powerhead) are missing, therein lies your problem as that would create enough play in the shift range to cause that problem.

 

[Tucker]

Re: 1977 Johnson 115 shift rod length

yeah, I ended up taking out the bushings since I took the thing apart so many times yesterday. Can I purchace just the bushings, is that what the part numbers are for??

 

[Joe Reeves]

Re: 1977 Johnson 115 shift rod length

Yes, that's what the part numbers are for.

 

[Seandorr]

I can confirm that turning the barrel down and turning it back up twice works. Model 85EL77s. I tried a few times with the 21 13/32” but that didn’t work. I unscrewed it to replace the seal at the top of the shift rod and forgot about the length. Big pain.

MOD EDIT: Please do not post to old, dormant threads as per the 90-day rule.

Closed.