1997 Johnson 50 stuck in forward

[fourwinns88]

In question is a 97' model Johnson 50 (2 cylinder). While on the lake yesterday pulling up to the dock, went to put it into reverse to get set up, then the boat went forward. Now it won't shift out of forward into neutral or reverse. Checked cables and they are working and adjusted properly. The parts are working properly where the cables hook to as well. Please help with any suggestions on where to start to get this fixed. Ready to hit the water again!! Thanks in advance for any help.

 

[fourwinns88]

Re: 1997 Johnson 50 stuck in forward

Anyone?????

 

[texassailor25]

Re: 1997 Johnson 50 stuck in forward

I had the same thing happen to mine but mine stuck in reverse when I was pulling up to the dock. Mine ended up being my shift rod had broke in two. You can check it a couple different ways. One on the side of the motor thats closest to the front of the boat, you will see a rod coming down from the cowling going down to your lower unit. Thats your shift rod. You can also see it down by the lower unit before it goes into the lower unit. Have someone shift the gear shift in forward and reverse and see if both parts are moving that you can see. If one is but the other isnt its broke. The other thing is take your lower unit off. That way you can see your entire shift rod. To take it off and check takes less than ten minutes. Mine broke and the root cause was my motor mounts had broke. Which was putting all the stress on my shift rod and gears in my lower unit until eventually my shift rod broke twice then eventually my lower unit broke. Hope this helps.