1981 Johnson 7.5hp shift problem

[renorich]

I'm the frustrated boater with the Johnson 7.5hp that will only start OUT of the water! Anyway, I took the lower unit out and completely removed all the gears, water pump etc. Everything checked out fine, but now when I replace the lower unit, the shift lever gets locked. I can back it out about a half inch and the lever shifts fine. I rotate the flywheel (clockwise) like the manual says, but no luck. I know the gears and the shifter cam is in place correctly because I've gone thru it about 10 times. (plus, when I back the lower unit off the half inch, everything shifts fine) Any suggestions?

 

[Chinewalker]

Re: 1981 Johnson 7.5hp shift problem

Is the circlip aligned with the underside of the top cap on the unit? If not, then the shift rod isn't seated properly. Otherwise, it's not properly aligned up top.

 

[renorich]

Re: 1981 Johnson 7.5hp shift problem

Excuse my ignorance, what is a circlip and where is the top cap? Thank you.

 

[Chinewalker]

Re: 1981 Johnson 7.5hp shift problem

On top of the gear housing is a plastic cover (#25 in diagram), acts as the base for the waterpump. In the front of that cover is a hole through which the shift rod runs. The shift rod is held in place by a C-shaped steel spring clip (#32 in diagram) that rides in a groove on the shaft. The clip is UNDER the unit cover and keeps the shaft from pulling out.

 

[renorich]

Re: 1981 Johnson 7.5hp shift problem

Thank you, I understand now. I will check this out. Thank you again.