1977 85HP Johnson Shift cable help needed

[jusme]

I just bought a pontoon with a 1977 85HP Johnson (Model 85EL775) and it engages forward fine, but not reverse. I can push the shift lever on the motor with a screwdriver further back and get reverse to engage and lock fine, but if I try to adjust the cable to get reverse, I lose forward. Are there other adjustment points I just cant see, like in the control box? So far, I am just adjusting the cable using the adjustment wheel at the motor. Does it sound like I need to buy a new cable to replace this one? Also, what is the gas/oil mixture ratio for this engine? I cant find the ratio referenced anywhere on the motor. Thanks alot in advance for all help with this.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: 1977 85HP Johnson Shift cable help needed

sounds like bad cable, get number off black sheath, that's replacement #. fuel/oil is 50/1. the cables are cheaper if you use existing ends. there are just 2 screws that clamp the cable to the end.

 

[bigbob_FTW]

Re: 1977 85HP Johnson Shift cable help needed

Are you out of room for more adjustment on your cable? If not, keep going. eventually you can get it in the correct place.

 

[jusme]

Re: 1977 85HP Johnson Shift cable help needed

Not out of room. I can get reverse. But if it's adjusted for reverse to work, I lose forward. Maybe the cable is just stretched. But does anyone know if there is an adjustment on the control box? If so, that may give me another option to try and get some adjustment. One guy told me if the cable is stretched, to just add a few more cable stops to see if that fixes it. I may try that first before replacing it.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: 1977 85HP Johnson Shift cable help needed

no adjustment in control, only on engine. disconnect at engine, put engine in neutral, control in neutral, now ajust nut so the connection can be made without moving engine part of connection, this is the proper adjustment. if it doesn't work, new cable.

 

[ezeke]

Re: 1977 85HP Johnson Shift cable help needed

If the swivel at the top of the shift shaft was turned, the adjustment will probably not be possible without resetting the swivel.

If that is not the problem, start by disconnecting the shift cable at the engine and manually shifting into neutral, verified by the prop spinning freely by hand.

Next move the throttle arm to full throttle and back to neutral.

Finally, adjust the cable to the shift lever until it aligns perfectly so that it will slip on without moving the shif lever.

If you cannot adjust the cable in this manner, The swivel needs to be turned all of the way down [clockwise] and then backed out one or at the most two turns until the rounded part faces the front of the boat.

The cable is held in place in the casing guides at both ends by opposing set screws for adjustment. The cable can slip inside the guide and occasionally requires tightening. Follow the manual closely on that because too much pressure on the set screws will cut the cable.

 

[jusme]

Re: 1977 85HP Johnson Shift cable help needed

I'll try it when I get home from work. Thanks to everyone for their quick responses. One other thing. This is the first time this boat has been out of the water in many years. Should I replace the water pump impeller while it's out? And is it an easy job for the novice boat mechanic to do? I couldnt find any instructions online for replacing it.

 

[ezeke]

Re: 1977 85HP Johnson Shift cable help needed

If you have the gearcase removed, that is the perfect time to replace the impeller. I understand that the complete water pump kits are harder to find, so you might want to see if your dealer can locate one.​

The exhaust seal [pn 314937] is also a good replacement consideration. The two water tube guides are sometimes missing or deteriorated as well pns 314081 & 314765.​

 

[jusme]

Re: 1977 85HP Johnson Shift cable help needed

Does anyone know of any online guides or illustrations detailing how to do this?

 

[tschamp20]

Re: 1977 85HP Johnson Shift cable help needed

heres a video of impeller replacement:
http://www.meegsonline.com/tmd/waterpump.wmv
heres your manual on ebay i realize you dont need them all but for the price sell the rest!
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1977...53QQihZ008QQitemZ180130058566QQrdZ1QQtcZphoto

 

[jusme]

Re: 1977 85HP Johnson Shift cable help needed

Thanks alot. I'll be using that video for sure. Thanks again to everyone that offered their knowledge and advice.