50 Johnson Shifter problems.

[Fishbusters]

I have a starcraft Pontoon with an 87 50hp johnson outboard on it. I am having problems with shifting. I can get neutral and forward or neutral and reverse but it will not shift from forward to reverse all the way if. I can get one or the other but not both I get just enough to grind gears but not engage. I pulled the cable and the shifter works just fine mannually. If the control box is in or out of gear I can hold the cable in one hand and I find about 1/8 of an inch play in the end of the cable. It is almost as if the inner cable needs tightened. Is there and adjustment in the control box end for this or do I need to replace something? If I need to open the control box I will I have replaced the ignition switch in the box but never looked at the shifter. I realy don't want to open it up unless I have to but I will.

 

[Joe Reeves]

Re: 50 Johnson Shifter problems.

Peter.... The 1/8" play is normal, and if you are using the factory type cables whereas the end guides are factory installed (can't be removed or adjusted), it's unlikely that a problem exists with the controls.<br /><br />Has this engine been shifting fine, then on one outing became erratic, or have you had this problem from the first day of ownership, and did you purchase it used just recently?<br /><br />The problem you describe is usually caused by one of two mistakes such as:<br /><br />1 - Some boaters shift into gear slowly, thinking that they are taking it easy on the shifting componets, when in reality they are causing the shifting lobes on both the shifter dog and the gear to clash many times before engaging. This causes the lobes to round off, resulting in improper engagement, jumping out of gear, etc.<br /><br />2 - The lower unit has been removed to change a water pump or whatever maintenance is involved, and the shift rod gets turned out of adjustment. The height of that shift rod from the top of the lower unit surface to the center of the shift rod hole on the 1987 50hp, in neutral must be:<br /><br />20" Shaft = 15-29/32" (+ - 1/32")<br />25" Shaft = 20-29/32" (+ - 1/32")<br /><br />Any deviation of the measurement will result in a faulty shift throw (not equal).

 

[Fishbusters]

Re: 50 Johnson Shifter problems.

Had the problem once before but foxed it by adjusting it. I think the adjustment slipped some and I may have it fixed gonna go to the water and back up to provide some drag as i shift it. If this has not fixed it I guess I need to take it to the man down the road and let him have it. Some things are beyond me due to time and knowledge. I got a lot of knowledge but all in the wrong area. Special Education not mechanics.

 

[Fishbusters]

Re: 50 Johnson Shifter problems.

The adjustment got it had to perform some on the water with drag to get it right. At least it is not in the lower unit. Gonna have another question on my tohatsu if I can't figure it out. I think it is a stuck float but I have never taken one down that far.