witenite0560
New member
I've got a 1960 75hp Johnson that's giving me fits. When I got it the lower unit was off because the previous owner said he'd had a shift problem. The shift dog was pretty worn. So, I put a new one in and replaced the seals and impeller. Seemed to work ok in the tank. But, on the lake I could shift into forward and almost into reverse. You can tell it's almost there by the sound of the dogs trying to engage. So, I adjusted it to get reverse. But, then can't get forward. I've tried all different adjustments to the cable, the shift mechanism under the powerhead and checked the shift rod disconnect to make sure it was correctly engaged. Any thoughts?
I'm wondering if the rod that crosses from the port to starboard side in the leg was bent at some time by someone trying to force it to shift when it wasn't running or something.
Oh, forgot to mention, I can shift into all 3 gears if I disconnect the cable QD and manually shift at the shift handle on the motor. So, you'd think it would be a simple cable adjustment. Unfortunately, I'm going full travel on the cable and shift handle. So, it's more like the shift stroke is too long. That's why I'm wondering if something in the motor linkage is bent, though it kind of seems like that would give you the same thing, more stroke one direction than the other.
I'm wondering if the rod that crosses from the port to starboard side in the leg was bent at some time by someone trying to force it to shift when it wasn't running or something.
Oh, forgot to mention, I can shift into all 3 gears if I disconnect the cable QD and manually shift at the shift handle on the motor. So, you'd think it would be a simple cable adjustment. Unfortunately, I'm going full travel on the cable and shift handle. So, it's more like the shift stroke is too long. That's why I'm wondering if something in the motor linkage is bent, though it kind of seems like that would give you the same thing, more stroke one direction than the other.
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