1976 johnson 115 shifting issues

[B.johnson1993]

I have a 1976 johnson 115, it’ll start up fine, when I go to shift it, most of the time it won’t go into gear, engine will rev up, also the throttle control, seems like when it does go into gear, I have to push it further than usual to get it up to speed, then for reverse it barely pulls backwards. And every once in awhile when I start the boat, it’ll be in reverse some how? Shows it’s in neutral on the throttle control, but when the boat starts up the prop is spinning backwards even though it’s supposed to be in neutral, any help is appreciated... maybe something messed up in the lower unit? Or the adjustment is way off?

 

[racerone]

Need to drain / inspect gear oil.----Does motor still have the oil pressure assist lower unit ?----Need to check shift adjustment as well.

 

[greggilo]

I have a 1976 johnson 115, it’ll start up fine, when I go to shift it, most of the time it won’t go into gear, engine will rev up, also the throttle control, seems like when it does go into gear, I have to push it further than usual to get it up to speed, then for reverse it barely pulls backwards. And every once in awhile when I start the boat, it’ll be in reverse some how? Shows it’s in neutral on the throttle control, but when the boat starts up the prop is spinning backwards even though it’s supposed to be in neutral, any help is appreciated... maybe something messed up in the lower unit? Or the adjustment is way off?

It sounds like the the shift linkage needs adjustment. When you shift to forward the cable will push on the linkage at the motor. There is usually a threaded adjustment wheel on the cable that you can turn to lengthen the cable. If you disconnect the cable and shift it into forward manually you will see how far the cable should push on the linkage. Adjust the cable to that position should do the job. If you go too far then reverse may not work. Also, if the shift cable stretched then that may cause the adjustment to work for one direction and not the other.

 

[racerone]

What was found as per post #2 ??