johnson 50 vro gear shift

tazzy62

Seaman
Joined
Jun 1, 2002
Messages
57
hi everyone, i just got my lower gearcase back from the dealer where i had the seals replaced, oil renewed and pressure tested. i put it all back on the motor and now in the neutral shift position it is in reverse gear, in forward shift position it is in neutral. forward gear is not possible. obviously i have not had any need to adjust my cables as the cable clamps were all that i had to undo to remove them. i have operated the shifter with the cables detached and it is obvious there is something wrong. within the series of linkages there is a detent ball with corresponding f/n/r notches and again in the neutral position with cables disconnected it is still in reverse gear. is there some adjustment of the shift rod within the lower gearcase that the dealer could have messed up or could he have put something back in the wrong order. i have to wait until monday now before i can strangle him! any advice much appreciated. many thanks in advance guys.
 

ob

Admiral
Joined
Aug 16, 2002
Messages
6,992
Re: johnson 50 vro gear shift

You didn't mention what year 50 hp you have.To answer your question though,yes,there is a distinct possibility that the shift rod was rotated from its original length position causing your issue.
 

ezeke

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Sep 19, 2003
Messages
12,532
Re: johnson 50 vro gear shift

The bottom end of the 1989 50hp shift rod is threaded - clockwise to lower it counter to lengthen. OBJ had a chart around here somewhere with the lengths for the various motors.

Clymer manual gives 16 15/16 +/- 1/32 for the short shaft and 21 15/16 +/- 1/32 for the long shaft for 1989 and 1990 50HP.

OBJ wrote: "NOTE: These measurements are made from the top or mating line of the gear case to the center line of the hole at the top of the shift rod."
 

tazzy62

Seaman
Joined
Jun 1, 2002
Messages
57
Re: johnson 50 vro gear shift

hi guys, many, many thanks. sorry for not stating the year but ezeke's reply covers it. it is a 1989. i am very relieved that there is a possible easy solution even tho i have to take it apart again. i'll keep you updated. regards, taz.
 

tazzy62

Seaman
Joined
Jun 1, 2002
Messages
57
Re: johnson 50 vro gear shift

just checking ezeke, that measurement in neutral? taz.
 

Manawalk

Recruit
Joined
Jun 18, 2011
Messages
1
Re: johnson 50 vro gear shift

i took the fot off my 1983 johnson 50hp VRO now i cant get the shift right,,,,,,,,,,help:(:(:(:(:(:(:
 
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