1997 150 Johnson shifting problem

[jiggywidit]

I am having trouble shifting into forward and reverse. I can hear the gears grinding a little before it goes into gear. I did notice that once it goes in the reverse gear and I then put it in neutral it will go back into the reverse gear with no problem same thing with forward gear. Any suggestions?

Trippingbillies

[WildeOne]

You may be shifting too slowly and/or idle rpm may be too high. Shifting should be brisk, not gentle. RPM in gear, in the water, should be 600 to 650 rpm. Are these conditions met?

[jiggywidit]

I'm going out today. I do believe the RPM's are correct. I also remember when putting in reverse the motor reved up put did not go in gear.

[Bryansfish]

It sounds like you may need to adjust your shift cable. Is it hard to shift in and out of gear?

[jiggywidit]

Yes it is hard to shift. How do I adjust shift cable.

[Bryansfish]

Yes it is hard to shift. How do I adjust shift cable.

If its hard to shift it might be that you have a cable going bad. What you need to try first is to disconect the cable from the motor and try shifting it back and forth. If its still stiff then ther is about a 99% chance that your cable is bad and needs replacing. If it now moves back and forth with ease then its probably in the motor. With that year Johnson there is a good chance the problem is where the shift shaft enters the lower unit. It has two o rings that go around the shaft and its common to get corrosion around the orings making them pinch the shift rod and making it hard to shift. So check to see if its the cable and if not I can explain how to check the o rings. It does require that you pull the lower unit off but thats pretty easy.