Help - Johnson 6hp

[NickG]

Hi I have recently bought a 1978 Johnson 6hp outboard. It runs fine and has seems to tick over very happily in neutral. It engagaes nicely into reverse and kicks up the water as it should. It also went into forward and ran happily and kicked up water. I then turned it of and now it is in forward and the gear shifter isn't doing anything but it moves freely around but no longer has the definite click in to forward,reverse or neutral. It will still start and run in forward gear happily although I know you should start it neutral. Please can anyone give me some advice on what they think the problem is ? I've read up what I can and it would seems it's the gear linkage potentially ?

Many thanks

[BruceK]

yes gear linkage, I have a 8 hp variant under the evinrude banner. Same engine bigger bore. I have done my damnest to find a manual for the engine without success, so to add to your woes should you find one...... please give us a shout.

[NickG]

Thanks for your reply and confirmation. Hopefully it won't be too big of a job as for the manual I've found a site called bimmerabits.com and there is a free downloadable repair manual for Johnson and evinrude outboards from 1965 to 1990 don't know if that helps you but I'm gonna download it !

Thanks again and good luck

[Ianfs]

+1 for the linkage.

There looks as if there are some screws or a nut and bolt attaching the linkage from the gear housing to the shift lever, maybe one have come loose?
Look here, some parts diagrams for you that may help....

Boats.net parts diagram (Exhaust Housing)

Boats.net parts diagram (Gearcase)

As for a Service manual for Bruce's Evinrude try here, there are Johnson manuals available also...

iBoats - Evinrude Service Manuals]

[NickG]

Thank you again lanfs once again great help and advice it's much appreciated, hopefully it will be something I can attempt and not be too expensive !