I have a 2003 that has a Johnson serial # It would not go in reverse so my mechanic sent it to a rebuilder in Fl. We decided to go new gears rather than used. Well when he tested it on a lake the reverse worked then stopped working
Any thoughts
common thin on these motors is the shift rod bushings getting tight from a salt build up - this will keep the motor from engaging reverse - the rod will not drop correctly.the shift will feel slightly stiff
taking the cable off,attempting to engage reverse,it still will not engage...
you need to check this first.
drop the lower cowling - follow the shift linkage - you'll see it
the plastic busings will push against the shaft too tightly,from th prying action of the salt build up.take it all apart,remove the salt deposits,replace the bushings - pack it with corrosion block grease,or another quality waterproof grease...
those lower units are bullet proof
click the link - look at the diagrahm of parts - replace the bushings - after cleaning the salt deposits out of everything
http://shop2.evinrude.com/Index.aspx?s1=jh6m9g92hsmmk77amlg1l5l0s3&catalog_id=0&siteid=1