Shifting into Reverse issue on Johnoson 130

[Shorebum]

Hello,

I have what I believe is an issue developing in my lower unit, could be as simple as an adjustment but wanted some feedback before proceeding. The unit shifts into forward smooth and crisply. Shifting into reverse gives a liitle grind but most importantly it seems like it is not being thrown completely into gear. It is like it engages then disengages then engages very quickly, like within a second or two. After engaging the second time everything is smooth and hums along. Any thoughts?

 

[jonesg]

Re: Shifting into Reverse issue on Johnoson 130

Remove the hood, ignition off, you need to spin the prop in neutral and have someone shift it through its range as you watch the shift lever where the cable attaches.
Disconnect the shift cable and do the same thing manually, see if the shift cable is extending through its proper range, if it stretched longer it needs adjusting shorter.

Has the water pump been changed recently?
Its easy to change the shift rod height if it was accidentally turned when the foot was off.

 

[Shorebum]

Re: Shifting into Reverse issue on Johnoson 130

thanks for the response. The water pump was changed last year when I purchased boat second hand. Seller had it done at shop I picked boat up from. I will check the cable adjustments and go through procedure in my SELOC manual assuming shift rod OK. Can shift rod height be adjusted on a 2000 130 ocean runner without removing the lower unit if I need to adjust?

 

[jonesg]

Re: Shifting into Reverse issue on Johnoson 130

No I think you have to drop the lower unit, no biggie.
I vote for stretched cables.

 

[Shorebum]

Re: Shifting into Reverse issue on Johnoson 130

Thanks, I will vote for that assessment also. Would hope that shop made proper rod hieight adjustment when they did the water pump. But I agree no big deal to pull lower unit if necessary. Will get adjustment done before doing any harm to lower unit.