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1989 GT 150 shifting problem

S

Shaggie

New member
Last fall I started having problems going in gear . Going in forward it would not want to engage all the way, but enough that it would move the boat and finally get going, felt like lower unit was hitting something, but would finally catch, it would not pop out at high speeds. So I adjusted on the cable and can get it so it don't pop out in forward, but then it don't want to go in reverse, seems I can't find the middle. I had an old Merc that done same and it was the clutch dog. Just wonder what you guys think. Thanks
 
Was the lower unit off for water pump work ?-------------------Was the shift rod height changed ?---------The shift rod must be adjusted to the correct height in order to get proper shifting.---------------The oil in the lower unit has been checked and is / was in good condition ?
 
Lower unit hasn't been off since I had it. Shift rod hasn't been changed, can it come out of adjustment? I put new oil in the lower unit at the start of the season, guess I should check level.
 
The shift rod can not come out of adjustment by itself.----------I am suggesting you remove the unit and check the shift rod height.-----------------Google -----johnson shift rod height -----------to get info and the dimension.-----Previous owner may have had it off.
 
I think thats the next step also, been googleing johnson shift rod height, no luck so far, gotta be there somewhere. Thanks
 
Shaggie said:
Well I tried it and I can move it with my fingers with a little bit of force, it's doesn't move like flipping a light switch.
Click to expand...


A little force is needed. Just want to make sure the linkage on the engine is not binding.


In your OP you said it just started happening. How long have you owned the boat before it started to happen?
 
I've had the boat 2 years, 2010 season it was fine, about half way thru last year it started. When I kicked I thought I forgot my anchor , thump thump thump then it catches.
 
Been messing with the cable, I have about a 1/2" of slop on the shift side. If it's suppose to be tight (no play) apparently something is wore in the control. When in neutral I disconnected the pin with the cotter where it connects at the last point before going to the shift shaft and the hole didn't line up, I have to turn the cable adjustment at least 1/2" of threads to get it to line up.
 
If the linkage on the engine is working with the cable removed and you can shift the lower in and out of gear and it fully locks in when you do shift it, then ignore my previous post.
I see that you have found some play in the cable.

Time to replace both cables. They are not expensive.

I thought you would have seen the cable play when you adjusted the cable in your OP.
 
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