1966 Johnson FD 20 - won't shift?

[wvyen]

I just replaced the shift shaft connector which seemed to solve one problem and it was running fine yesterday. However, when I took it out today it would not stay in gear I went for about 5 minutes then it just kicked out. When I try to shift to forward it just kind of rattles and won't go into gear. I can shift into reverse and neutral fine and it will sometimes shift into forward but it kicks out with the least amout of pressure. Can anyone help me diagnose the problem?

Thanks in advance!

 

[lindy46]

Re: 1966 Johnson FD 20 - won't shift?

So you replaced the coupler under the little oval plate in the leg? Did you get the shift rods in the proper position with the coupler bolts passing through the detents in the shift rods? And the bolts tight? Check those things first.

 

[wvyen]

Re: 1966 Johnson FD 20 - won't shift?

Yes I replaced the coup,er in the leg and I believe the shift rods are lined up correctly... I checked it again when I got back today, that is what I assumed the problem was after I checked the sheer pin. I took it apart then re-did it, then went back out and had the same issue. I tried to get the bottom shift rod further up in the connector but then the screws won't go in. So I had to bring the rod out a little ways for the screw to go in. Is ther any other way to confirm they are line up or any thing else to check?

 

[wvyen]

Re: 1966 Johnson FD 20 - won't shift?

Could I have a busted gear in the lower unit or something?

 

[Daviet]

Re: 1966 Johnson FD 20 - won't shift?

The shift shafts have groves in them, if the screws go through the groves, you have it installed properly. You might check the lower unit oil for metal particles, maybe a clutch dog problem.