forward is revers and revers is forward

mauimike

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Joined
May 13, 2008
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13
I've got a 1981 johnson 60HP that runs real good. I'm useing a johnson shifter. When i put it in fwd the motor is spinning the prop in revers. My manual is on order but i was wondering if you guys could give me your thoughts.
 

5150abf

Vice Admiral
Joined
Aug 12, 2007
Messages
5,808
Re: forward is revers and revers is forward

More info, how did this come about.
Is the boat new to you?
Have you just worked on it?
Did this problem just siddenly happened?
Tell us how this happened that will help to solve this little mystery.
 

mauimike

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Joined
May 13, 2008
Messages
13
Re: forward is revers and revers is forward

the whole boat is new to me but very used. the shifter and motor are both second hand. while installing everything i didn't notice that the prop was spinning backwords. i was just looking to see that i had both direction and full throttle in what i thought was fwd. needless to say i was quite supprised when i got it the water. when i put the shifter in fwd the lever on the motor moves tward the front of the boat.
 

tashasdaddy

Honorary Moderator Emeritus
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Nov 11, 2005
Messages
51,019
Re: forward is revers and revers is forward

mike i believe you have a controller for a 1973-1977 johnny rude. the had a hydro mechanical shift that movement was opposite the current motors.
 

Randyg123

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Apr 20, 2008
Messages
337
Re: forward is revers and revers is forward

mike i believe you have a controller for a 1973-1977 johnny rude. the had a hydro mechanical shift that movement was opposite the current motors.

If you do end up with an old controller like that and so not want it, I may be interested in it.

Or you could just move the motor up to the bow:D Sorry, couldn't resist!
 

tashasdaddy

Honorary Moderator Emeritus
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Nov 11, 2005
Messages
51,019
Re: forward is revers and revers is forward

just thought of something, you may have cable crossed at the motor. shift on throttle, throttle on shift.
 

Chinewalker

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Joined
Aug 19, 2001
Messages
8,902
Re: forward is revers and revers is forward

The 1973-1977 controllers will work - the differences are at the motor, not the shifter.

If the cables aren't backwards, the likely culprit is someone has swapped in a 1973-1977 lower unit as a replacement. Is the lower unit original to the motor?

- Scott
 

mauimike

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Joined
May 13, 2008
Messages
13
Re: forward is revers and revers is forward

I don't have a lot of info on the motor's history. Is there a serial or model # on the lower unit that i can referance? The shifter is the older white one. I can check the model and serial # on them when I get home.
 

mauimike

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Joined
May 13, 2008
Messages
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Re: forward is revers and revers is forward

I did verify that the cables are correct
 

ezeke

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Sep 19, 2003
Messages
12,532
Re: forward is revers and revers is forward

The skegs on the mid-seventies lower units go straight down at the rear. The eighties units have skegs that angle back at the rear.
 

mauimike

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Joined
May 13, 2008
Messages
13
Re: forward is revers and revers is forward

the skeg does go straight down. if it is the '73-'77 lower unit is there any way to make it work?
 

Dhadley

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Feb 4, 2001
Messages
16,978
Re: forward is revers and revers is forward

Yes. All you need is the linkage off a powerhead of the same vintage as the lower unit.
 

mauimike

Cadet
Joined
May 13, 2008
Messages
13
Re: forward is revers and revers is forward

I really don't know much about these lower ends. What linkage are you takling about?
 

rolmops

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Joined
Feb 24, 2002
Messages
5,518
Re: forward is revers and revers is forward

Could it be a left handed propeller?
 

mauimike

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Joined
May 13, 2008
Messages
13
Re: forward is revers and revers is forward

no it is a right hand prop. A left hand prop would be nice if i could find one
 

rolmops

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Feb 24, 2002
Messages
5,518
Re: forward is revers and revers is forward

no it is a right hand prop. A left hand prop would be nice if i could find one

You might be on to something.
Possibly your engine was part of a twin setup, which would mean that you need a left handed prop.
 

mauimike

Cadet
Joined
May 13, 2008
Messages
13
Re: forward is revers and revers is forward

i thought that might be the case but i haven't been able to find a left handed prop anywhere. Do they make them for this motor?
 

jay_merrill

Vice Admiral
Joined
Dec 5, 2007
Messages
5,653
Re: forward is revers and revers is forward

Did OMC even make a left had rotation gearbox for a 60hp motor? I don't know for sure but my guess would be that they didn't.
 
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