Shifting, Johnson 9.9

[Ron_S]

Lower unit was removed for water pump replacement. Reassembled following advice received here by placing motor in forward, lower unit in reverse, and then pushing together. Worked fine on another identical motor. This one however will now not shift into reverse easily. Have to push it in and spin the prop. Even then it pops out. Clearly the linkage needs adjustment to cause it to go into reverse. Where is this adjustment made? Is this in fact the problem?

 

[Joe Reeves]

Re: Shifting, Johnson 9.9

If that engine shifted properly previously, before you installed the water pump, I'd suspect that you may have the brass shifter connector somewhat out of adjustment (it happens).<br /><br />You would want the lower unit shift rod raised as far as it will go, and the upper shift rod as low as it will go.<br /><br />Align the shift rod so that the groove is centered with the threaded hole in the brass connector, then after having the bolt inserted and slightly snugged up but not tight, gently apply a slight (SLIGHT) amount of pressure on that connector so that the bolt is resting against the rod groove, then tighten the bolt securely. The same holds true for the remaining bolt..... resulting in having the rod in a short position but not forcing it to be too short.<br /><br />If that doesn't cure your problem, the shift adjustment is just inside the hood pan forward of the fuel pump. Check your service manual.

 

[Ron_S]

Re: Shifting, Johnson 9.9

That groove is what I was shooting for, but could not get it to slide down into the collar enough. I'll get a bigger hammer.

 

[Ron_S]

Re: Shifting, Johnson 9.9

Found the answer. The screw in the collar must be totally removed to allow the shift linkage to drop to its proper position. Shift works fine now.