hard to shift 25hp Updated!

[refractory148]

I have a 1998 25HP Johnson model #j25recb. It is on a 14 ft. aluminum john boat. It is a great motor but it seems very hard to shift into forward gear. it shifts into nuetral and reverse with what i would consider to be an acceptable amount of force but when you go for forward I feel like i have to push awfully hard. it doesnt make any funny noises or grinding sounds it is just very hard to shift is there an adjustment i can make? the motor is tiller controlled so there isnt a cable, just a small handle connected to a shift rod running into the cowl.

 

[OBJ]

Re: hard to shift 25hp Updated!

Refractory....is this with the motor running or setting still. If the engine is not running, you need to spin the prop while shifting. This is so the lobes on the clutch dog and gear line up. It is possible to break or bend something while trying to shift with out spinning the prop.<br /><br />Keep us posted.

 

[refractory148]

Re: hard to shift 25hp Updated!

OBJ....this happens when the motor is running...it seems to shift ok when the motor is off if i spin the prop it goes right in...??

 

[refractory148]

Re: hard to shift 25hp Updated!

hmmm.... did i stump yall? Actually i think i got pushed too far down the list and got forgotten. Anybody got any ideas on why my motor shifts hard???

 

[refractory148]

Re: hard to shift 25hp Updated!

^ bump

 

[OBJ]

Re: hard to shift 25hp Updated!

Sorry for the delay refractory. Bumping the post up is a good idea. Sometimes the posts' are hard to follow and remember when there are so many.<br /><br />The front shift on these engines are a little stiffer than the side mounted shifts. Not knowing how hard its shifts really puts us at a bind to give you a good answer.<br /><br />Follow the linkage back and be sure there are no binding points....which I'm sure you've already done. Check that lube points are OK and not in need of grease.<br /><br />If possible, take it to a dealership and ask them if they think there is a problem.<br /><br />Maybe one of the other guys can help a little more.<br /><br />Keep us posted.

 

[refractory148]

Re: hard to shift 25hp Updated!

Thanks OBJ, I will check those points of interest like you said and will post an update this evening.

 

[refractory148]

Re: hard to shift 25hp Updated!

Update: Upon much closer inspection with the proper lighting (it helps when you can see what your looking at!!!) I have found a broken....umm...bracket. I will do my best to describe it but if necessary i will get a picture. The shift control handle is connected to a shift rod which runs throught the cowl, once in side it connects to this bracket which is broken but it is not broken where the shift rod connects that part of it is fine. towards the rear there is a cable attached that goes up towards the flywheel...that is fine also. On the bottom (farther down into the cowl) there is a small rod that is connected to a spring loaded thingy (can ya tell im new to this??). I have no idea what this thing is but that connection for the linkage is what is broken on the bracket that connects to the shift rod.The spring loaded thingy is mounted in its own braket and goes up towards the flywheel. Could this be why it is hard to shift or is this a whole different problem? I still dont have a manual but plan to get one very soon (definitely before trying any repairs). If more info is needed i will do my best to provide it and if necessary i can get a picture but that will take a couple days. Thanks in advance for any help.

 

[Hooty]

Re: hard to shift 25hp Updated!

If it's a spring loaded "thingy", send a foto and I feel sure OBJ can identify it. He's our resident "thingy" expert. <br /><br />c/6<br />Hooty

 

[refractory148]

Re: hard to shift 25hp Updated!

^bump

 

[WillyBWright]

Re: hard to shift 25hp Updated!

That sounds like a device to prevent starting in gear. If that's out of whack, it'll affect your shifting and possibly your throttle. Don't take the easy route and eliminate it. Fix it. It's there to save lives.

 

[refractory148]

Re: hard to shift 25hp Updated!

is this something i should be able to fix myself? even though i dont know much about outboards i am mechanically inclined and have had good results repairing automobile engines. any ideas how much this part will cost? should i be able to get it from my local johnson dealer?

 

[Hooty]

Re: hard to shift 25hp Updated!

Don't know what it'll cost but I'd say yes to the other questions. If you have any doubts, use a digital camera and take fotos along the way to use as reference.<br /><br />c/6<br />Hooty