1966 Johnson 9 1/2 hp, kicks out of gear as I increase power

[newuserguy]

Hi people, first, thanks for this great site and the pros who provide assistance. I followed JB's advice and looked and read, but I cannot find my answer. I have an older Johnson 9 1/2 (1966). It starts, runs and shifts just fine, but when I increase power, majority of the time (about 90%)it will seem to 'freewheel', that is, it acts as if it has shifted into nuetral. The gear lever stays in gear but it doesn't have any forward propulsion until I bring the rpm/s way down (just above idle speed)then it reengages and provides propulsion. I'm stumped. I've been told it could be cavitation, but it doesn't occur all the time, though the last time out (yesterday)I started out, increased power, it planed and ran perfect, I came to a "no wake" area, slowed down and ten minutes later when I tried to accelerate to plane it would not accelerate without the loss of forward propulsion as described above. Another so called expert said that all the older Johnson/ Evinrude motors had this problem (BS). HELP, I need my time on the water for proper mental function. Again, thanks for any help you can provide.

 

[newuserguy]

Re: 1966 Johnson 9 1/2 hp, kicks out of gear as I increase power

More info on my 9 1/2 Johnson, tiller, manual start, manual shift. Thanks

 

[ezeke]

Re: 1966 Johnson 9 1/2 hp, kicks out of gear as I increase power

I think you have spun your prop, newuserguy.<br /><br />That means that the rubber gromet between the hub and the outer prop is slipping.<br /><br />Most don't realize that the the 9.5 prop has both a shear pin and rubber insert.<br /><br />Anyway, take the prop off and mark the hub and outer prop at the end. Put the prop back, then run the motor and check to see if the marks are stll alligned.<br /><br />Michigan Wheel makes a nice replacement prop #012008, that you can order here at Iboats. Click on propellers at the top of this page.

 

[newuserguy]

Re: 1966 Johnson 9 1/2 hp, kicks out of gear as I increase power

Ezeke, thanks. I didn't know about the rubber hub. I will look and reply within the next two hours, but what do you mean "outer prop"? Thanks again.

 

[newuserguy]

Re: 1966 Johnson 9 1/2 hp, kicks out of gear as I increase power

Ezeke, thanks. I didn't know about the rubber hub. I will look and reply within the next two hours, but what do you mean "outer prop"? Thanks again.

 

[ezeke]

Re: 1966 Johnson 9 1/2 hp, kicks out of gear as I increase power

Look at the propeller from the gearcase end, inside. You will see the slot where the shear pin rests. In the same view, you will then see that there is a black rubber circle around the cylinder (hub) that rests on the propeller shaft and the outer part. When that rubber gets old, overheated, shocked too much or whatever, it slips, and you can't fix it without special tools.<br /><br />I've just been reminded that you sometimes can't see the edge of the rubber, but it is there.

 

[steelespike]

Re: 1966 Johnson 9 1/2 hp, kicks out of gear as I increase power

Usually a prop shop can check the prop for you and rehub it if necessary.

 

[newuserguy]

Re: 1966 Johnson 9 1/2 hp, kicks out of gear as I increase power

Ezeke and Steelespike thanks a ton guys. I really appreciate the help. This site is great. Kudos to this forum and all who assist. Again thanks.

 

[newuserguy]

Re: 1966 Johnson 9 1/2 hp, kicks out of gear as I increase power

Hey guys, would a new prop fix the problem? Thanks.

 

[ezeke]

Re: 1966 Johnson 9 1/2 hp, kicks out of gear as I increase power

If the old one has spun and it sounds like it has, then yes.

 

[newuserguy]

Re: 1966 Johnson 9 1/2 hp, kicks out of gear as I increase power

Thanks again, Ezeke, I had to log out yesterday. Jim

 

[newuserguy]

Re: 1966 Johnson 9 1/2 hp, kicks out of gear as I increase power

Update: Ezeke was right on. A new prop (bought here) worked perfect. Cleaned the high speed orifice (learned this through the manual, bought here, at the same time)and the old motor feels like a 15. Thanks guys.

 

[ezeke]

Re: 1966 Johnson 9 1/2 hp, kicks out of gear as I increase power

Thanks for posting the results, Jim. That helps everyone with similar symptoms.