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Greetings, I own a 20ft pontoon with a circa 1980 Evinrude 55. I just got my boat back from the mechanic. He installed a lower unit and we tested it in September. I saw the prop spin in each direction when we tested the unit. He suggested new cables, so I left the boat with him. Now, on April 30, he suggests a new battery because he didn't store mine indoors. Bottom line, he did not test the motor before I picked it up. The motor started, but it would not go into gear. If I reduced the idle, the motor stalled. In reverse, the shifter did not put me in gear. I need help synching my throttle and shifter. Can someone please help this nubile? Thank you!
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Sounds like this mechanic should correct the problems, he was paid for this work. Anytime you have service performed by another, put out on muffs to verify everything is the way it should be. If his work isn't good I'd take it back. Something he's done wasn't right.
A good mechanic should be happy to correct his mistake at no charge. Don't let him sell you on other problems, it was working prior to changing cables.
The cables should be a simple swap out, with minor adjustments to fit your linkages. And don't mess with it yourself, he will blame you for problems.
Good luck.Last edited by Solarman; 05-06-2015, 08:13 AM. -
Throttle /shifter adjustments
I agree with you that the mechanic should do this, but due to his apparent incompetence, he will not see my boat again. I have enough "tinkering" skill to do this myself with a little help here.Comment
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Ok then, ill ***ume he only changed the cables, causing these problems.
To start, verify he has connected the right cable to the right linkage, and that he has put each cable into its respective support.
Next, let's say throttle cable is working ok and focus on shift cable.
Place remote in neutral (notice which direction cable moves when putting in reverse). Disconnect shift cable (in neutral still), and shift motor linkage by hand, until fully in reverse (turn prop by hand to make sure), then shift remote (not connected) into reverse position (reverse on remote must match motor linkage). The adjustment is normally at the support/ mounting point for that cable. Adjust until cable matches shift linkage (once it matches, stop adjusting). Secure cable, and reconnect to shift linkage.
Return remote to neutral, check prop to verify, and check forward shifting, again check prop to verify it is going fully into forward.
Throttle is very similar, but you're looking for idle stop, and full throttle.
Post back and let us know how its going. Good luck.Comment
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Throttle / Shifter Adjustment
Thank you for your help. I should post again by Monday.Comment
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Also, need to add, do not adjust throttle, or shift linkages on motor, unless you understand that adjustment, and you're sure they have been changed. Usually they are not changed when replacing cables.
Will wait till you post back on Monday for results. Good luck.Comment
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Shifter /Throttle Adjustmen
Thanks for the great help. I've been around Johnson Motors for 20 years, and have had several occasions to get in over my head. This particular issue was to adjust the idle set screw so the motor could idle at a low RPM, but still shift. DONE! Muffs on and we have forward and reverse as desired.
THANKS! And happy boating!Comment
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Throttle Control Jammed-Cable removal
I just had the same problem with my 20 ft. pontoon boat with a 1978 55 HP Evinrude. The throttle control jammed and it would not start or go into any gear. Yours may be jammed also. It was hell trying to find another one. My big problem was "how do you get the cables out of the throttle control unit?" It seems there is an allen screw on both side of the cable where it hooks into the arm. You have to remove the throttle control box and line up the linkage with the little hole in the back that is just big enough to insert a 3/32 " allen wrench to remove the screw. The screw is so small it is difficult to see it without a magnifying gl***. There are two holes, one for each cable. As mine was jammed, I had to pry the fork holding the cable to remove it. Those little allen screws hold the cable and it will slide out when both screws (front and back) are loosened. I think the Evinrude engineers were smoking something when thay designed this system. Hope this helps.Comment
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Throttle / shifter Adjustment -HELP
Hey gang,
Thanks for the help! I'm still stumped; made some adjustments to the Idle Set Screw and everything was running smooth when I had the muffs on. Engine fired right up, shifted into gear - both forward and reverse the prop responded to the controller.
An hour later I launch down at the boat ramp. Some busy traffic on Saturday, so instead of ramp testing, I drifted back off the trailer -NO REVERSE!
I tied to the dock to wait for my wife to join me. We float 20feet - the same issue; put the boat into gear and there's a delay in the response from the controller and we stall. We go back to the dock at the ramp and I made another tweak to the idle. Once running again, we cut our day short and tie up to our dock.
WHY DOES EVERYTHING WORK ON THE MUFFS AND NOT IN THE RIVER?
Monday, I'm calling the local marine mechanic!😡Comment
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