1966 Johnson 40horse - Gear Problems

[gszekely]

I have a 1966 johnson 40 horse "Super Quite" with electric shift.I had a problem with water getting into the lower and it let me know this by jumping out of gear. When I removed the drain plug, the oil was thick and white. I think I solved this whith a new shaft seal and new filler/drain plug gaskets. Now, however, it will still jump out of gear at anything above a fast idle. Where do I start??

 

[itstippy]

Re: 1966 Johnson 40horse - Gear Problems

Here's an old thread I bookmarked to have handy for my 1963 SuperSeahorse. Same motor as yours, really:<br /> http://www.iboats.com/cgi-bin/ubb/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=28;t=015387#000002 <br />Joe's Da Man on these. Or one of Da Men, anyway. There are are couple others out there that know them inside & out too. You MUST use the correct oil. You MUST do your own research. You would be extremely lucky to find a hired wrench today who will touch one. Use the red "search" button near the top of this page and look for "selectric" and "electramatic" and even "electric shift". Be carefull not to confuse advice on hydroelectric shift (early 1970's) with your true electric shift (mid 60's - early 70's). If you tear into yours remember at all times that patience is a virtue. Been there. Twice now. Prefer not to go back (knock on wood).

 

[OBJ]

Re: 1966 Johnson 40horse - Gear Problems

Welcome aboard Zek!<br /><br />Could be a couple things....assuming it's forward gear that keeps jumping out.<br /><br />Could be a power wire to the forward solenoid that is broke and makes/break as the engine is run or a bad shift switch. If you can rig a volt meter to the forward wire and monitor the shift voltage, this can tell you if it's in the switch or lower unit.<br /><br />Or....the drive spring tab is broke off. Your lower unit don't have a clutch dog in it. Forward and reverse gears are engaged by a spring that wraps around a large hub. A solenoid engages the spring tab and off ya' go. Problem is, the tabs were known to break. Anyway...ya' may need to take the lower unit apart and check the wireing and spring tab. And no....these gear cases are not fun to work on. If you decide to tackle the job, get an OEM service manual before you start. Follow it.<br /><br />EDIT: Good advice from itstippy...

 

[gszekely]

Re: 1966 Johnson 40horse - Gear Problems

Thanks All for the advice!<br />I think I'm gonna like it here!

 

[R.Johnson]

Re: 1966 Johnson 40horse - Gear Problems

Here is one thing about those electric shift gearcases. Once that clutch spring slip's on the gear hub, that hub, and spring are done. Changing oil will not bring it back. You must change the gear hub, and spring both. I was working on those gearcases when they came into existence. If there is a way to bring one back, I would like to here it.I have tried rough honing the spring held in a close fitting metal sleeve, and rough polishing the gear hub. It did'nt work.