1999 Johnson 35hp Outboard Issue

[derek7467]

Hey guys! Hoping you can help. I have a 1999 Johnson 35hp outboard. Recently, the control box has stopped shifting into neutral or reverse and stays in FWD the entire time. (excellent time docking the boat this way...:lol

A buddy has told me to replace the control box, but i dont wanna spend 250$ if thats not it. I read online that it could be the Engine Rear Shaft Bearing?

Anyone have any ideas that i could start with???

I'd like to do the repair myself, so anything that could be a small check, would be nice!

Thanks!

 

[TrueNorthist]

Re: 1999 Johnson 35hp Outboard Issue

Have you tried shifting it at the motor? If it shifts then the remote or cable needs repair. If not then trouble is in the motor.

 

[derek7467]

Re: 1999 Johnson 35hp Outboard Issue

is there a lever to do that fron the motor? like a tiller one would have?

 

[hidef]

Re: 1999 Johnson 35hp Outboard Issue

The shift and throttle linkage is on the starboard side of the engine. The first check is to make sure the shift cable isn't binding up. Disconnect the cable from the engine and see if it moves freely with no effort. Then making sure the engine and controls are both in neutral re-attach the shift cable you might need to turn the knurled adjusting ring on the cable one way or the other so that it slips into place. You want to adjust the cable to the outboard. It is also possible that the shift rod height is out of adjustment. That can happen if the lower unit was off the engine.

One other thing if you haven't removed the oil tank and mixing chamber do it. Run 50:1 pre-mix in the engine the OMS system on the 35 and 25 triples were garbage,

 

[boobie]

Re: 1999 Johnson 35hp Outboard Issue

Agree 100% with the above on getting rid of the oil tank and mixer and running 50:1 premix. Have seen to many blown mtrs like yours because of it.

 

[derek7467]

Re: 1999 Johnson 35hp Outboard Issue

so i finally got time to open up the engine compartment and look at the control arm (i think thats what it is). The retainer clip that holds it in place broke off and the arm was just hanging there. I attached it, started the boat and it was in gear fine! Now i just have to find another clip... Which i think i found at the home depot by me, going back this weekend to put on and hopefully shes good to go!

Thanks for the advice guys!

 

[TrueNorthist]

Re: 1999 Johnson 35hp Outboard Issue

Good to hear. You should still heed Boobie's advice and mix the gas yourself. I get most of my used spares from VROs that have rendered themselves into anchors.