79 Evinrude 115 gear shift problem

[Jimmy01]

Hi,
I just purchased a 1979 Evinrude 115 and am having trouble getting both forward and reverse at the same time. I’m able to adjust the cable and get either forward or reverse but can’t get both. I’m using the control box from my old outboard which was a 1978 Evinrude 70hp. I did notice that the control box is different between the two but I’m not sure if it’s the control box that isn’t allowing enough movement in the cables to select both or if it’s actually a problem in the lower unit.. I’m thinking I may need to buy a new control box to suit the 115 but I’m not 100% sure if that’s the case. Any advice would be appreciated.
Regards,
James.

EDIT

I have attached a diagram of the 70hp control box that I’m using so you can see which box it is.

 

[racerone]

Step # 1 would be to check shift rod height.-----Then re-check shifting without cables attached at the motor.----Motor must be running or prop must be turned while shifting.

 

[Jimmy01]

Step # 1 would be to check shift rod height.-----Then re-check shifting without cables attached at the motor.----Motor must be running or prop must be turned while shifting.

Thanks for the reply, I checked the shift rod height today and set it per the manual. I’m able to get all gears smoothly at the motor and I had to wind the adjustment all the way out on the cable and it only just sits into reverse and will pop in and out sometimes but I have no adjustment left in the cables. I’m able to get forward and neutral fine

 

[racerone]

What was shift rod height ( inches )and how was it set ?----Disconnect cables at the motor.-----Turn prop while shifting to forward.----Put control in forward.---Does cable travel match linkage?----Now shift to reverse and check cable travel.-

 

[oldboat1]

re. cable length -- might relocate the box a few inches aft to give you the extra length. If the red plugs for motor and box match, you should be able to get the combo to work.

 

[Jimmy01]

What was shift rod height ( inches )and how was it set ?----Disconnect cables at the motor.-----Turn prop while shifting to forward.----Put control in forward.---Does cable travel match linkage?----Now shift to reverse and check cable travel.-

I set the rod height at 21-27/32 in neutral and measured from the top of the case, I did as you suggested and the cable travel is fine for forward and neutral but the gear shift goes too far back for reverse so the cable doesn’t push out enough to match how far back the gear shift goes.. Seems like the gear shift on the motor goes a lot further back to engage reverse then it does for forward so the cable is only able to just sit it into reverse but when I adjusted the shift rod higher to try bring reverse forward more I would get reverse and neutral nicely but then would have the same problem for forward..

 

[oldboat1]

Cable lengths do differ between throttle and shift. Maybe yours need to be switched.

 

[Jimmy01]

Cable lengths do differ between throttle and shift. Maybe yours need to be switched.

I didn’t even think about that, I’ll have a look at that also! I did completely remove the control box and cables when I purchased the new motor so maybe I put them around the wrong way

 

[Jimmy01]

I switched the cables around, they have a tiny difference between them but nothing major. I’m able to engage reverse and forward but the cable is adjusted all the way out and there’s still left over movement in the gear shift on the motor for reverse but the cable still falls short of completely pushing it back.. When I took it out it went into reverse on the muffs fine but once in the water it just sat short of engaging and could hear the clutch dog grinding

 

[racerone]

With rod measured at 21-27/32 in neutral to center of the hole it should work like every other motor.----Perhaps there is an issue inside the lower unit ?

 

[Jimmy01]

With rod measured at 21-27/32 in neutral to center of the hole it should work like every other motor.----Perhaps there is an issue inside the lower unit ?

Yeah I’m thinking that or replace the control box and maybe it will help.. I’m not sure what to check or replace in the lower unit

 

[racerone]

Did you buy from a shop ?-----Warranty ?----Any advice from seller ?

 

[Jimmy01]

Did you buy from a shop ?-----Warranty ?----Any advice from seller ?

Nah was just a Facebook buy from an older gentleman, Had been sitting for a while but looks in good condition. I’m thinking it’s the control box as I have cables from the newer style box that seem stronger and a bit longer I just don’t have the newer box to fit them but I also don’t want to go out and buy a new control box but it not be the issue and have to spend the same money again to replace parts in the lower unit.. think I’ll have to just bite the bullet

 

[racerone]

The lever that goes across under the carburetors is it vertical in neutral ?----Post a picture ?