Johnson Outboard Stuck in Reverse

[gbutter]

Hi,<br /><br />I've been happily boating with my 1974 16' Johnson for about two years now. This last weekend, I found the suddent need to hit reverse hard and fast, and now I find that I cannot get out of reverse. <br /><br />The motor is a 74' Johnson 75hp. I have checked cables, and they are OK. It appears as if there is a thin shaft that goes from the head unit to the lower unit that shifts. This bar only moves about a half in in either direction. I figure I'm going to have to take it apart, but I was wondering if anyone out there could tell me if I caused major damage. If I did, I may wait till next summer and see if I can scrape up the cash to fiix it then.<br /><br />Thanks,<br />Greg<br /><br /><br />

 

[pipestone guy]

Re: Johnson Outboard Stuck in Reverse

Hey Greg,<br /><br />Did you throw it into reverse at speed?<br /> <br /> I suspect a clutch dog problem. Is your transmission a manual or electric or other. I do not have any ideas on anything other than a manual. Lets us know.<br /><br />Terry

 

[Chinewalker]

Re: Johnson Outboard Stuck in Reverse

Hi Greg,<br /> A half? Half what? If the shift mechanism is only moving a half inch with the shift cables then you're problem is with the shift cables. You should have several inches of throw at the shift cable end. Here's what I would do... <br /><br /> Remove the shift cable from the motor and attempt to shift the motor by hand operation of the shift lever. Also, operate the shift control and watch the travel of the shift cable. This will tell you whether the problem is in the shifter or in the motor.<br /><br />- Scott

 

[gbutter]

Re: Johnson Outboard Stuck in Reverse

Hi,<br /><br />I have disconnected the cable, and I have reverse and neutral(most the time), but no forward. <br /><br />And it is a mechanical shift, and I was moving when I went tried to shift from reverse to forward.<br /><br />I can occassionally get forward to engage if I rattle the shift lever around by hand. Nothing consistent though.<br /><br />Thanks,<br />Greg