lost forward and reverse

[boomman]

I have a problem I hope I can get help for here.
today I was out on my boat and as I was starting out my motor kicked out of forward and just reved now I have no forward or reverse ,when I move the shifter it does not click into gear like it used to, there are no grinding noises, just reves up. If any one can suggest where to look to find my problem it would be greatly appreciated I am a first time boat owner bought my boat used it is a 1984 70 hp johnson seahorse on a 1984 searay 160

 

[jtexas]

Re: lost forward and reverse

start by ordering a service manual -- there's nothing on that motor can't be fixed by a determined do-it-yourselfer with a good manual.

pretty sure it's a cable or control issue, but just to be sure, disconnect the shift cable from the shift lever (just pull out the cotter pin), starboard side of the powerhead, see if it will shift manually.

 

[boomman]

Re: lost forward and reverse

ok I tried that and it shifts fine but does not engage the propeller..

 

[ezeke]

Re: lost forward and reverse

Whenever the engine is running, the gears are always turning, so when you shift, a part called a dog that is connected to the propeller shaft locks in contact with the forward or reverse gear and causes the gear to turn the propeller.

If that does not happen when you turn the shift lever on the engine manually, either the shift rod is not connected under the carburetor, your dog died, or you have a broken drive shaft.

Start by checking to be sure that the shift rod is connected -it's located dead center under tha carburetors and you should see it rise and fall with your movement of the shift lever.

 

[jcw1980]

Re: lost forward and reverse

is it a johnson elec shift ?

 

[jcw1980]

Re: lost forward and reverse

if it is maybe the magnets ?

 

[boomman]

Re: lost forward and reverse

I don't believe it is electric but how would I check to be sure.
It has cables like a carb on a car Identical to the one picured in this thread

 

[jcw1980]

Re: lost forward and reverse

electric shift still uses cables they just call it electric because it uses magnets inside the motor to shift the gears

 

[boomman]

Re: lost forward and reverse

oh ok didn't know sorrry how do I check if it is electric?

 

[ezeke]

Re: lost forward and reverse

No electric shifts after 1972.

 

[boomman]

Re: lost forward and reverse

ok thank you very much

 

[jcw1980]

Re: lost forward and reverse

ok sorry just trying to help

 

[boomman]

Re: lost forward and reverse

thank you all for your responses, going to buy a repair manual and go from there.