1988 Johnson 90hp VRO will not shift into forward or reverse

[rkwhite61]

As the subject states, I cannot get the motor to shift. The shift cable is new so it's no frozen. The pin is in the shift linkage below the carb and the prop turns smoothly in neutral. I've even disconnected the shift cable and tried to move the shift linkage by hand, but it will not budge (not much room to try this though). The motor has been sitting a few years unused. I am able to start the motor. Any help would be appreciated.

 

[Chinewalker]

Is the motor new to you? I had a motor in shop last year that someone had attempted to steal lower unit and forced shift rod out of gearcase, breaking the shift housing in the fore of the gear housing in the process.

 

[rkwhite61]

Is the motor new to you? I had a motor in shop last year that someone had attempted to steal lower unit and forced shift rod out of gearcase, breaking the shift housing in the fore of the gear housing in the process.

Yes it is new to me, but it's from a family member and it was in working order prior to them stop using it. I do know it was used in salt water, wonder if that has something to do with it.

 

[Hooligan Diver]

A quick idea would be to look around to the front of the lower unit, where it pivots when steered. You should be able to spot the shift rod as it passes through the swivel mount and back into the lower unit. You should be able to grab the shift lever here and use pliers or needle nose to raise and lower the shift rod by hand if the cable or linkage are disconnected.

 

[rkwhite61]

Figured it out. Dropped the lower unit and the shift rod was seized into the bushing down near the bottom. Disassembled, cleaned and lubed. All is well now.