No reverse when I need it the most!

[grcsomd]

Hello,<br /><br />My 1977 Johnson 115 had compression problems last year and I had the powerhead R&R by a professional shop. Ever since it seems my reverse gear only works when the motor is cold. Twice now when coming in, and trying to tuck in at the dock I'm getting no reverse, just revving the motor. I tried adjusting the cable once at the end of last season, but this year it is doing it again, and I don't have much left to go in that direction. My shop manual shows for powerhead removal to drop the lower unit first. If they did this at the shop, maybe they didn't return the threaded connector at the top of the shift rod to just where it should be and the linkage is all off. Does anybody know how sensitive that threaded connector is? I was thinking to spin it around 2-3 times to give reverse more of a mechanical advantage. <br /><br />Thanks in Advance- <br /><br />ps (I accidentally posted this to I/O and Inboards section first; sorry for the duplication)

 

[Backlash]

Re: No reverse when I need it the most!

 

[Joe Reeves]

Re: No reverse when I need it the most!

Grcsomd.... The 1977 Johnson 115hp model, among others has a barrel like shift connector that threads to the top of the shift rod (rod does not screw into lower unit). The proper method is to screw that barrel all the way down, then to back it up until it faces forward... that's it.<br /><br />Now, that barrel should have a white nylon bushing in it. If it does not have that bushing installed, it would be impossible to adjust the shift due to the existing play within the barrels shift hole. Nylon bushing is OMC part number #318590.<br /><br />When all is as it should be, the proper method to adjust the shift cable is to disconnect the cable from the engine. Move the shift linkage on the engine to find the center of the play in neutral, and when found, leave it centered.<br /><br />Now, grab the end of the shift cable sleeve, push and pull it to find the center of the play there, and center that play.<br /><br />Adjust the trunion on the threaded portion of the shift cable so that the centered play of the cable lines up with the centered play of the engine's shift linkage. Lock and install the shift cable with the retaining clamp in that position. That's it.

 

[Walker]

Re: No reverse when I need it the most!

And if Joe Reeves' solution doesn't work replace the shift cable. Its probably stretched.

 

[grcsomd]

Re: No reverse when I need it the most!

I ended up replacing the cable and all is well. Thanks!<br /><br />George