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Need help with a old johnson 85 hp shifting issue
Posted: Fri Jun 21, 2013 4:58 am
by k5guy38
We went to go to our local place yesterday for 2$ burgers. Left the dock and everything was fine but when we went to leave the place. The motor would not shift into forward with the controls. It would shift into reverse no problem. I was able to pull the motor cover and pull on the shit lever in there to get it in forward. Does anyone have any experience with these ? Its a 1976 Johnson 85 hp.
Re: Need help with a old johnson 85 hp shifting issue
Posted: Fri Jun 21, 2013 1:23 pm
by margaritaman
Disconnect the cable at the motor. If you can shift the motor forward without the cable attached at that point your cable could be getting old and binding or getting a kink when you shift.
Re: Need help with a old johnson 85 hp shifting issue
Posted: Sat Jun 22, 2013 7:21 am
by badmoonrising
Yep, if the cables are older that 5 years, take a good look at it and the helm control.
Re: Need help with a old johnson 85 hp shifting issue
Posted: Mon Jun 24, 2013 5:49 am
by k5guy38
Yes you can shift the motor by hand no problem. I have no clue how old the cables are. I bought the motor and controls separate from the boat. Does anyone have a good wright up on how to set new cables ????