Johnson 40 hp won't engage reverse

[sds357]

Model number RDSL-288 serial J2629259, from my research I believe it is a '66 super sea horse and not electric shift. What should I check? So far I've tried shifteing manually by disconnecting the controls and with the controls, i get the same results, no reverse. neutral and forward seem to be fine.<br /><br />Thanks<br />SDS

 

[Paul Moir]

Re: Johnson 40 hp won't engage reverse

Just to make sure, you're turning the flywheel or the prop while shifting right? If not, the control will jam.<br />If that's not the case, then remove the shift linkage access window on the side of the midsection, and completely remove one of the two bolts from the coupler behind it. Then manipulate the rod up and down with a pair of pliers. If this causes the engine to shift into reverse, something is wrong with the shift handle or bellcrank just underneath the powerhead. Otherwise, the problem is in the lower unit. <br />If the problem is in the lower unit the most likely cause for a problem would be if the Phillips screw on the side of the skedge were accidentally removed and replaced. If it appears to have been removed at one time, the shift lever which it forms the pivot for could have come out of alignment. With much fiddling you may be able to get the hole in the shift lever to line up again, and put the screw back in without disassembling the lower unit. This'll be a lot easier if you first take the lower unit off.<br /><br />This is not a picture of your lower unit, but it is similair. The phillips screw is #38, and the shift lever is #48. It's just to give you an idea of what you're trying to do:<br /> Lower Unit diagram