1981 15hp Johnson Sea Horse shifting problem

[Stever]

I was out on the Flambeau River (north fork) in Price County, Wisconsin taking water samples this past week. The motor was well-behaved until I reached site 2. I noted that when I moved the shift lever from neutral to forward it didn't seem to engage. I increased the throttle and verified that I was still in neutral. I idled down, shifted to neutral and then back to forward and all seemed OK. This situation happened a couple times at sampling site 2. I finished at site 2 and proceeded to site 3. At site 3 I idled down and shifted into neutral, then reverse to reposition the boat. When I idled down and attempted to shift from reverse into neutral, the shift level moved to neutral, but I was still in reverse. I moved the lever to forward....still reverse! I poped the hood and everything is "tight" and secure...the lever is firmly attached to the shaft and the shaft extending into and disappearing into the column is rotating with the lever - no slop. I did not hear any unusual sounds or noises at any time. I ended up backing the boat through whitecaps (25-30 mph wind) approximately 3/4 mile back to the dock. <br /><br />I would appreciate any suggestions as to the cause and remedy to this problem.<br /><br />Thanks,<br /><br />Stever

 

[almost retired again]

Re: 1981 15hp Johnson Sea Horse shifting problem

Hi Stever,<br />It sounds like the shift rod has come loose from it's coupler. Not a hard problem,remove the bolts that hold the gearcase on, drop the gearcase down about 2or3" and you will see the coupler. It should have two slotted bolts in it. This connects the rod from the shift lever to the shift rod that goes to the gearcase and does the shifting. Put the two rods in the coupler and put the bolt back in, re-attach the gearcase and you should be back in business. IF thats the problem.<br />Good luck

 

[Stever]

Re: 1981 15hp Johnson Sea Horse shifting problem

Thanks for the reply! I will try to schedule some time this weekend to check out the coupling (although it might have to wait until sometime next week). I will post a reply on my findings and results. Again, thank you.

 

[Stever]

Re: 1981 15hp Johnson Sea Horse shifting problem

To: Almost retired again<br /><br />Well, I simply couldn't wait for the weekend to check out the outboard. <br /><br />I left work early, hauled out a handy 3/8" craftsman wrench, backed out the 6 bolts of the lower unit, wiggled the lower unit down....noted the exhaust plate before it dropped out....and there was the coupling, just as you described, albeit everything was tight, in place.....and ship-shape.....which means that the problem lies somewhere in the bottom end of the lower unit. Drat! ....and you offered such an elegant possible solution, too!<br /><br />Would I be lucky enough that there is another coupling, pin, or linkage lower? At this point should I order out a repair/maintenance manual (if so, any recommendations?)<br /><br />As always, all suggestions to the positive are appreciated!<br /><br />Stever