1956 Johnson 30hp Shift Rod

[rgballard]

I am having a heck of a time getting my shifting rod connecter alignment right on my motor after taking the lower unit off for maintenance. I put it back on and align everything then when I shift through gears I get reverse & neutral or neutral & forward. I can't get all three gears without monkeying around with it for ever which has left me with a stripped screws! I am getting so frustrated.

Does anyone have any tricks or suggestions? I have had this together and working correctly before, but that time also took me for ever too!

 

[Daviet]

Re: 1956 Johnson 30hp Shift Rod

Silly question, but are you sure you are getting the screw in the connector THROUGH the notch in the shift rod?

 

[rgballard]

Re: 1956 Johnson 30hp Shift Rod

Yes. There is a little bit of play in both the notches which seems to lead to my problems. Also I am unable to put it anywhere accept where the notches are.

 

[F_R]

Re: 1956 Johnson 30hp Shift Rod

Even sillier question: Are you spinning the prop (or running the motor) when shifting? While it is possible to have it stop where all 3 positions can be selected, it is also likely that won't be the case. Something's gotta be moving so the gears will line up for the dog to slide in.

OK, if that isn't it, then what are you changing that makes the difference between frw-n and rev-n?

 

[rgballard]

Re: 1956 Johnson 30hp Shift Rod

Yes I have been spinning the prop by hand. The difference between fwd-n and n-rev is just moving the connector up and down. I should mention this is a long shaft motor with the long connector.

 

[F_R]

Re: 1956 Johnson 30hp Shift Rod

Shouldn't make any difference, long or short. There should be only one way it can go together---screw through the notches. I don't know what the trouble is.

Grab hold of the upper rod with the connector off, and see if you can move it up and down. You shouldn't be able to. But wear may allow a bit of slop. A lot of wear will allow a lot of slop. Maybe that is the problem.

The shifter handle is tight on the shaft, right?