Won't go into reverse

[Rindiboy]

I have a Johnson outboard 85hp, 78-80 model. On the hand control the lever will not go pass neutral, is there any one out there that may be able to advise.

 

[Gary H NC]

Re: Won't go into reverse

Unhook the cables at the motor and see if the control will still not shift.
That should tell you if the problem is the control or cable.

Oh,Welcome to Iboats!

Post this question under the Johnson-Evinrude outboard repair section and you will get plenty of help.

 

[Rindiboy]

Re: Won't go into reverse

Have disconnected cables at the motor, Control lever is still jammed, Cable moves freely, I am new to boating & have only recently purchased the boat. Any further ideas what may be the problem.

 

[5150abf]

Re: Won't go into reverse

Define "control lever still jammed", is this the control box(throttle) or the shift arm on the engine?

Try to manually shift the engine by hand with the cables removed by pushing the shift arm, if it will go into reverse it is in the control box, if it won't it is a problem in the lower.

I have been inside both, the control box has alot of stuff in it and can be a little tricky and you don't even want to think about getting into the lower.

Try the shifting by hand and repost.