1964 40hp Johnson outboard

[Mike Munson]

I just acquirred a 1964 40hp Johnson Electramatic outboard motor for free. The previous owner told me that the motor lost it's ability to go into reverse. The owner told me that the problem exist in the lower unit assembly. He has the lower unit disasembled and he showed me two wired that are protruding from the lower forearm, and at one time connected to the lower propeller unit. He said that these two wires were somehow separated during operation and that this is the cause for no reverse. My question is: Does this problem make sense to you and/or should I be looking some where else for my problem? VIN # J2434774 Model # RK26S

 

[Hooty]

Re: 1964 40hp Johnson outboard

Welcome to the board Sgt.<br />Yes, the broken wires could indeed be the cause for no reverse. If it were me, my first move would be to procure a manual for that engine. I don't have a schematic for it but I'd bet someone here on the board does and can tell you how to hook up the wires to the l/u.<br /><br />g'luck & c/6<br /><br />Hooty

 

[steelespike]

Re: 1964 40hp Johnson outboard

If I understand you correctly those wires connect <br />to wires (same color near the rear of the power head.Forward shift wire is green,reverse wire is blue.Easy way to remember is green for "go"<br />forward.<br />A service manual is a must.These units can be very<br /> troublesome and are difficult to disassemble.<br /> I have a Seloc manual 56-70 1 1/2 to 40 hp.<br /> Covers electramatic pretty well.Manuals are readily available at the bottom of the page,<br /> NAPA auto parts,amazon.com or even the library.