how to properly adjust johnson shift cable/linkage

Status
Not open for further replies.

rickeyd

Recruit
Joined
Oct 4, 2007
Messages
4
I screwed around with shifter linkage and now I can get full throttle but it won't go into reverse; it just grinds trying to get there.

I have fixed this before, but I don't think I'm doing it correctly.

I have been tinkering with the plastic "trunion" (tightens/loosens) which is what screwed me in the first place I'm pretty sure.

by the way, this isn't an electric shift, it's manual.

Thanks in advance from a newcomer in Central Florida.
 

Dhadley

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Feb 4, 2001
Messages
16,978
Re: how to properly adjust johnson shift cable/linkage

Welcome!!

What motor is it?
 

rickeyd

Recruit
Joined
Oct 4, 2007
Messages
4
Re: how to properly adjust johnson shift cable/linkage

Thanks for the welcome...I guess that I missed that part (DOH!)

It's a 76 Johnson 55hp. Thanks.
 

Dhadley

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Feb 4, 2001
Messages
16,978
Re: how to properly adjust johnson shift cable/linkage

OK, remove the cable and manually put the motor in neutral. The linkage should be straight up and down. If it's not, or the lower unit has been off recently, you'll have to reset the shift rod height.

If the linkage is OK, center the end of the cable over the pin by adjusting that trunion. Now shift it manually into forward and reverse. Put the control in forward and then reverse and check to see that the cable has sufficient travel in each direction.

I kinda suspect that if the shift rod height is correct the cable has stretched. Nothing a new cablw won't cure.
 

rickeyd

Recruit
Joined
Oct 4, 2007
Messages
4
Re: how to properly adjust johnson shift cable/linkage

It's a new (about a week) cable. when I originally replaced it and took it on the water, I noticed it was idling a little off so I messed with the trunion while in neutral on the water and got it going.

Because I'm an idiot, I messed with that trunion yesterday before taking it on the water. Needless to say it was way off. I got it back to throttling up to full speed but after that is when I realized I screwed up the reverse.

How can I tell if I need to set the shift rod height?

I sincerely appreciate the help...I am getting a manual, just haven't received it yet.

Note to self: if it's working, don't screw with it....
 

Dhadley

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Feb 4, 2001
Messages
16,978
Re: how to properly adjust johnson shift cable/linkage

You have 2 cables. Are you adjusting the one for throttle or shift?
 

Gary H NC

Fleet Admiral
Joined
Dec 1, 2005
Messages
8,972
Re: how to properly adjust johnson shift cable/linkage

If you have not had the lower off then the shift rod height should be fine.The rod adjustment can't change without screwing it in or out where it goes into the lower.I bet its just the cable is way off.
 

noelm

Senior Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Mar 8, 2005
Messages
761
Re: how to properly adjust johnson shift cable/linkage

here is the "handyman" way of doing it, disconnect the cable from the shift lever on the motor, put the motor in neutral by manually moving the shift lever,(on the motor) put the throttle/gear control lever (near the helm) in the neutral position, connect the cable end to the gear shift at the motor, hold the cable near the little notch were the plastic trunion goes and adjust it untill it lines up and you done, slowly turn the propellor and get someone to shift from forward to reverse with the conrol lever and check you have both gears.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Top