backward control box

[Princ40]

The previous owner replaced the lower unit of my 1974 Johnson 70hp. He informed me the control box was backwards. Push it forward the boat goes in reverse. Pull back to go forward. I still bought the boat and it worked fine all last summer. How difficult will this problem be to fix??? I have done some motor work my self, but I am kind of new to this.

 

[e10]

Re: backward control box

I think you need a different linkage that connects the end of the shift cable to the GC shift rod.

 

[seahorse5]

Re: backward control box

The previous owner replaced the lower unit of my 1974 Johnson 70hp. He informed me the control box was backwards. Push it forward the boat goes in reverse. Pull back to go forward. I still bought the boat and it worked fine all last summer. How difficult will this problem be to fix??? I have done some motor work my self, but I am kind of new to this.

It sounds more like someone exchanged your original gearcase which had the hydraulically assisted shifting with a 1978 or later mechanical shift gearcase without changing the shifting linkage, if that was possible. The 2 gearcases shift opposite

 

[boobie]

Re: backward control box

You may be able to find the correct linkage at a salvage yard. Try the Top Secret File at the begining of this forum for salvage yards.

 

[Chinewalker]

Re: backward control box

The only way to fix it would be to get the linkage off a 1978 & up 70/75, or swap the lower unit for a '73 to '77...