1978 Johnson shift help

[toycruiser]

I have had a very hard time getting this thing in reverse. Forward is easier but not easy. I removed the cable and it shifts fine at the control. Since I needed to check the water pump anyway I decided that I would see how hard it was to shift with just the rod. I literally have to bump the shift rod down to get it started moving, as I turn the input shaft i can then continue to push down by hand. I can pull out of reverse by hand but not into forward. any suggestions?
By the way I purchased this motor used and it has been like this since I have had it. no water in the lower unit.

 

[NicoPags]

Do you mean when the unit is running or when it is trailered. Try rotating the prop clockwise while shifting into FWD. If it's only hard while the cable is installed you probably just need to adjust the trunnion nut

 

[toycruiser]

Right now the lower unit is removed from the motor. The shift cable is free with out the shift rod connected from the lower unit. I grab the shift rod with the lower removed and cannot put it in gear by hand, forward or reverse.

 

[boobie]

You've got a swelled up o-ring around the shift rod. Pull the housing and replace the o-ring.

 

[toycruiser]

boobie, that is the reason I pulled the lower unit. I removed the housing and slid it up the shaft so that it would not bind. It is still extremely hard to shift. someone suggested that the shift rod that goes into the dog gear is bent. Looking like I will be tearing down the lower unit to find out, as bad as I hate to.

 

[boobie]

Get an OMC factory service manual and start tearing it down.

 

[boobie]

Got a model # ????

 

[jakedaawg]

Are you rotating the prop shaft while trying to shift manually?
Is there oil in the lower?

 

[boobie]

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