johnson wont shift out of reverse

[DavidV]

i have 1963 johnson seahorse 40hp that runs only in reverse whether i put in neutral or forward,can see shift rod move when take off plate.It would shift only neutral and forward before.Any ideas plez.

[boats.net]

If it is not shifting out and you can see it shifting from the top, then unfortunately you will need to remove the lower unit and verify that the shift rod is not broken.

[DavidV]

johnson wont shift out rverse

I have removed the 6 bolts from lower unit and it will drop only 1/4 in or so is there something else that has to be done.Thankyou for your help

[boats.net]

Yes, you need to disconnect the shift shaft. Not sure on this specific model, but some of the old ones you have to remove the powerhead and the shift shaft disconnects from under the power head.

[DavidV]

its a model RD-25D

[boats.net]

You would have to remove the engine to gain access to shift shaft coulpler.