1976 Johnson 85 hp won't shift into gear

[Hogger]

I've searched, and read Joe Reeves post that has been pasted around, but it doesn't help. I can't find any blue, or green wire. I think I have the hydro-electric shift.

So my engine runs great, but when I grab the button on the throttle handle, and move the throttle forward, the engine revs up and the boat doesn't move.
And when I try to move it to reverse, the handle doesn't want to move.
I am able to manually slide the lower linkage toward the rear of the engine(it's is a little stiff), then the prop doesn't spin freely, but don't know if it's in forward or reverse.

My engine model number is 85EL76G. Please help, the weather is finally warming up!!

 

[DJ]

Re: 1976 Johnson 85 hp won't shift into gear

It is NOT electric shift. That's good.

Look at the linkage, under the hood (ENGINE OFF), as someone moves the throttle/gear shift. You will quickly see what is, or is not happening.

The gear shift cable (bottom) moves back and forth as you move the handle from forward to reverse. The throttle cable only moves the linkage one way.

I suspect you have a broken or stretched cable.

 

[Hogger]

Re: 1976 Johnson 85 hp won't shift into gear

Well, I removed the cable from the engine and was able to manually engage it into forward and reverse. While checking out the cable, I found this. I guess this would be a broken cable?
Is it easy to replace just a single cable?

 

[DJ]

Re: 1976 Johnson 85 hp won't shift into gear

You got it!

I would replace both, while you're at it, and have the control box open.

 

[Hogger]

Re: 1976 Johnson 85 hp won't shift into gear

Not a bad idea, thanks.