1969 18hp Johnson will not engage forward gear.

[r7069c]

I was out in my boat last weekend and all the sudden my motor slipped out of forward gear. I could not get it back in forward gear but was able to manage to get reverse to work after switching it back and forth a few times. Is this an easy fix or should I take it to a shop? I did find a door to the linkage in betweeen the motor and the lower unit. I unscrewed/open it and noticed two bolts attached to the linkage. Are these adjustments bolts? I also noticed one of the bolts was threaded and would not tighted all the way.
Any advice out there?????
Thanks in advance.

 

[ezeke]

Re: 1969 18hp Johnson will not engage forward gear.

The two sections of the shift rod have grooves in them near the end of each section. The bolts need to be inserted so that they pass within the grooved section and are then snug on the other, threaded side of the shift rod connector...

They are not adjustment bolts. The shift rod connector is there so that you can easily remove the lower unit for maintenance.

I think that if you take the loose bolt completely out and reset the bolt in the grooved section of the shift rod, you will be ok.

 

[F_R]

Re: 1969 18hp Johnson will not engage forward gear.

Well, tell ya what. You say the bolt won't tighten. If somebody takes the lower unit off for some reason and does not use a flashlight to peer in there and make sure the notch in the shift rod exactly aligns with the hole in the connector, the screw will drag on the edge of the notch and wipe the threads off the screw every time. Then it falls out two miles from the dock.

 

[r7069c]

Re: 1969 18hp Johnson will not engage forward gear.

Duh,
I just pulled off the propeller and saw that the pin is broke. I am going to the hardware store to see if I can find a replacement.

 

[r7069c]

Re: 1969 18hp Johnson will not engage forward gear.

does anyone know where I can get a replacement brass pin that goes thru the propeller shaft to lock the propeller for a 1969 johnson 18hp outboard?