96 Johnson 150 shifting issue

[Rhodeislandswamper]

Just bought this boat/motor and everything is great. Only issue so far is that while running the boat say forward for a while, then slowing at dock and going into reverse , it does not engage. Problem is only reverse. Previous owner put brand new lower unit and states he never had any problems with it shifting. If I manually engage the plastic shifting assembly then it catches, but if I take off and run it, then trying to use reverse doesn't happen for me. Anybody got a easier fix, than dropping the lower unit and checking the shift rod, I am hoping maybe the linkage or the wonderful plastic parts in the top end is screwy. 1996 Johnson 150 Oceanrunner V6.

 

[James R]

Re: 96 Johnson 150 shifting issue

If the bushings on the shaft that runs across the powerhead are worn or missing there is suficient play which can prevent either forward or reverse selection depending on how the shift cable is set. If there is up and down play in that horizontal shaft try replacing the bushings.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: 96 Johnson 150 shifting issue

possible miss adjusted control cable. try disconnecting the shift cable, then in the water manually shift the motor, see if that works, if so you either have to adjust the cable, or the cable is going bad inside, shifting forward is a pulling action on the cable, reverse is a pushing action, if going bad inside, it cannot push as much as it use to.