Reply To: 1955 RDS-17 Johnson 25 hp-adjustment/shifting

[Don]

Like Frank says, manual represents a perfect world…. I usually find that there isn’t enough “throw” in the lever/detent system to achieve full engagement in both gears, and be centered properly in neutral…I usually end up favoring forward gear a bit making sure the gearbox is in neutral when the shift lever is in the neutral detent…
So, you are saying that when shifted from reverse into neutral, the gearcase is still in reverse gear….OK, just favor forward gear a bit more, which works out for the best. Have you tried that, or are you trying to achieve what the manual prescribes.
All that being said, you should check for slop in the linkage, and make sure the shift rod connector is properly positioned and the screws are tight. I like Mumbles method of using red nail polish to highlight the beveled area of the shift rods to ensure they are properly positioned in the connector before tightening the screws…
It is important to mention that the linkage should not be “preloaded” in either gear. Doing this will cause premature wear in the cradle linkage and aluminum clutch dog fork…