70hp Johnson engine, gear not properly engaging

[Spennycar]

1st post - My 70hp Johnson engine been going strong apart from daft wee issues.
However , was running lumpy and when adjusted the throttle cable I stupidly altered the gear shift cable too ….. Have tried alter back but I can’t seem to get it to go fully into forward without being at high revs ( then catches and jumps forward). Reverse doesn’t quite engage properly either. I’m right at the end of the adjustment - the black pull rod seems to have a lot of play in it. Hopefully answer my own question but will new cable assembly come with black push rod and will this hopefully solve the issue

 

[racerone]

I would first remove lower unit and check shift rod height.----And if you just got this motor you should install a new water pump impeller.-----Install a new impeller about every 5 years.

 

[Spennycar]

I fitted new water impeller at start of season , does the shift rod have adjustment in the lower unit ? ……tried start motor again today and getting it into neutral is hit n miss. Really seems like gear shift ……. The cables that are on are 12ft but excess lying coiled before outboard. How do I know which length is correct

 

[racerone]

Yes-----If shift rod was turned during the water pump repair the shift will be out of adjustment..------Failure to correct the shift rod adjustment can be expensive.

 

[Spennycar]

I see . But it’s ran for near 6 months with no issues until adjustment of the cables.
u still think try the lower casing ??
And does 11 or 12ft cables make much difference ?

 

[racerone]

??? so for 6 months it ran.---------But now it is giving you issues.-----I know how I would approach this !----And no , the length of the shift cable makes no difference.

 

[cjones132]

I have a 1975 70hp johnson that is difficult to get into forward, goes in reverse and neutral just fine. could this be the same issue?

 

[racerone]

cjones.----There are 2 different gearcases in 1975.----Model # is ?----Facts-----The earlier version is oil pressure assisted shift.----Shifts easier when motor is running,----Most Johnson / Evinrudes need motor running or propshaft turning when shifting.----If your motor is later production you might want to check shift rod height.

 

[cjones132]

cjones.----There are 2 different gearcases in 1975.----Model # is ?----Facts-----The earlier version is oil pressure assisted shift.----Shifts easier when motor is running,----Most Johnson / Evinrudes need motor running or propshaft turning when shifting.----If your motor is later production you might want to check shift rod height.

I will have to check the model number. I have had muffs on it and it running when trying to shift, and I adjusted the cable on the upper unit, but it didn't fix the problem
the rod height is 13/32-7/16 correct?

 

[racerone]

Your rod height in post #9 makes no sense !---Late production motor is more like 21-11/32---- I think.----Best find the chart for these motors.