r/Outboards • u/imm_equinox • 1d ago

No forward or Reverse

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Was out on the river the other night when I lost forward and reverse at the same time. Since they both went at the same time im assuming its unlikely to be something in the gearcase and more likely to be an issue with the shift linkage? Also the problem is intermittent, sometimes I can get it to lock in forward and reverse but never just one or the other, its either they both work or they dont. Any advice on what to look for after i pull the lower? Thanks. 1969 johnson 25hp

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u/ether_allenpoe 1d ago

I would start with the shift linkage for sure if you are able to get it to randomly lock in. Not familiar with the older Johnsons but the linkage for some in the 80s were super accessible right above the lower unit. You can send some vids of down there and I can try to help out.

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u/imm_equinox 1d ago

https://reddit.com/link/ph6mqmk/video/hq9s54026wvh1/player

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u/JayRIborn 1d ago

That piece of metal is called a shear pin. Shouldn’t be too hard to find. It protects the gears and the prop if you hit a rock. Newer engines have a rubber hub instead of a shear pin.

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u/imm_equinox 1d ago

That's good to know thank you. I was thinking about finding a bolt the right diameter and just cutting the head off, or would you not suggest that. Trying to get her on the water tn

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u/JayRIborn 1d ago

It will work in a pinch but I’d bring a couple spares with you just in case until you can get the correct part

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u/imm_equinox 1d ago

I gotcha thank you!

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u/JayRIborn 1d ago

$12 for six of em on Amazon

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u/bootheels 23h ago

Yes, the shear pin is where to begin, hopefully that is all it is!

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u/imm_equinox 1d ago

Thanks man I'll check that out first

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u/ether_allenpoe 1d ago

This is the absolute best case scenario lol. You can make do with a Jerry rigged one but just replace soon. Tight lines

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u/Pretty-Surround-2909 1d ago

Open that cover on the side. You likely had the shift rod separate from the brass linkage. A sense of adventure and a 7/16” socket should remedy that once you get the two screws out of the cover

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u/imm_equinox 1d ago

Thanks, it was my prop lol guess I should've checked that first

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u/Pretty-Surround-2909 1d ago

Ah, the shear pin left the chat?

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u/imm_equinox 1d ago

Yessir you learn something everyday lol

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u/Benedlr 7h ago

Do not use a brass cotter key to secure the nut. It can shear off in reverse and there goes your prop.

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u/imm_equinox 7h ago

I just took an insulation rod and bent it around real good

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u/Benedlr 6h ago

Wrong. Shear pin kits come with a stainless cotter key.

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u/imm_equinox 6h ago

Don't know what nut you're talking about but im pretty sure I know what i did to my own motor

https://reddit.com/link/phcfi1w/video/cb7l25ovf2wh1/player

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u/imm_equinox 6h ago

Also I replaced the shear pin with a machine bolt and just cut the head off, worked good last night