1969 johnson shift problems

[jet doc]

I have a 1969 johnson electric shift thatn I have to constintly adjust the shift cable at the engine. After running on the water the shift cabel comes out of adjustment and I loose everything except foward. Last summer it was in the shop for about three months because they said it was an o ring in the lower unit and just went ahead and rebuilt it. Well $262 later I finally get it on the water this year and not a thing has changed except for the fact it now runs worse than when I took it to the shop. I bought an engine manual and everything it says points to the shift/throttle cable being strecthed or worn it also has a different type of trunnion than shown in the manual. I plan on replaceing both the cable and the trunnion as they are inexpensive. I was just wondering if anyone has had a similar problem or heard of this and can tell me if I'm headed in the right direction. I would like to fix this myself as I'm tired of being ripped off. Any help would be appretiated.

 

[lark2004]

Re: 1969 johnson shift problems

sorry, I think you are getting confussed somewhere. <br /><br />What is the model number of your engine. This is important!<br /><br />If you have electric shift, then you don't have a shift cable that requires adjustment. <br /><br />If you have a shift cable on the starboard side of your engine, then you don't have electric shift.<br /><br />by the way...<br /><br />Welcome abord!<br /><br />we'll get her sorted out for you.

 

[jet doc]

Re: 1969 johnson shift problems

It's an ESL-70. The lever at the saftey switch is where my problem occurs which is on the right hand side. The manual shows both shift and throttle adjustments on this cabel. When not properly rigged it will not even start (not in neutral) and after running for awhile it gets out of rig and will only go forward even when the throttle is pulled aft it throttels up with no neutral in between.

 

[lark2004]

Re: 1969 johnson shift problems

Ok, I think you have your year wrong. Are you sure thats the full model number? are the any other numbers or letters in front of the ESL or after ther 70?<br /><br />1974 / 1975 are the years that include ESL in their model numbers, Which puts in a whole other area of electric shift. That being the Hyrdo Electric Shift.<br /><br />One question, is the exaust through the prop, or out of a seperate port under the cavitation plate?

 

[jet doc]

Re: 1969 johnson shift problems

Well I was going by what I was told by the same guy that rebuilt my lower unit. I got to get over to my girlfriends house to check the numbers but yes the engine does say hydro-electric on the cowling and i'm pretty sure the exaust is through the prop at least that's where the fuel comes out at when I've flooded it.

 

[lark2004]

Re: 1969 johnson shift problems

ok, than it definatly Hydro Electric. The year is definatly wrong. The 70hp engine only started in the early 70's. It simply did not exist in 1969. anyway, all that aside we need the correct model number to fully identify what you have. Then we can go from there.

 

[jet doc]

Re: 1969 johnson shift problems

I checked out the link that had been posted on the 69 55hp hydro electric and it sounds similar but i can get mine to work. Also mines a 115hp not a 70hp sorry I didn't explain that part.

 

[lark2004]

Re: 1969 johnson shift problems

ok, that makes a difference, would the model number look like this? 115ESL70D<br /><br />The 70 part now points at year. if it were a 1969 motor, the model would be 115ESL69E or 115ESL69S.<br /><br />Ok, year aside, lets get back to basics. <br /><br />when it went in for the repair, did the mechanic put OMC Premium Blend oil in the case? This is the only lube you should use in these Lowere units.<br /><br />And have you replaced the cables you were concerned about yet?

 

[jet doc]

Re: 1969 johnson shift problems

OK the model number is 115ESL69S and i did get a new cabel for it and put it on today I think I still need to do some fine adjusting on it though kinda has some slack in foward movement, I'll go back over tomarrow and take my book with me and will have longer to play with it. The only thing I dont like is the is the trunnion because it's just notched out and has a piece that swings down infron of it but if I can't find the one I think I need I do have the means to fabricate one myself. Another thing that bothers me was the old cabel I took off was 14ft which seemed way to long since it went toward the other side of the transome and came back to the motor so I put a 13ft and could have probably went with a 12ft. As for the oil he put in it I have no clue but it does shift fine as long as the cabel is properly rigged and after I get this problem fixed I'm going to go through and do a tune up with new points plugs impeller and the whole works. By the way I really appreciate all the help thanks.

 

[lark2004]

Re: 1969 johnson shift problems

cool, Let us know how you get on, at least you have the book!<br /><br />If it has been chancing gears properly, then it probably is the correct oil. <br /><br />Lets get that cable sorted, and then take it from there.

 

[R.Johnson]

Re: 1969 johnson shift problems

We have just went from 70, 3 cylinder, which they did'nt have in 69, to a 115 v-4 with a shift problem related to the control cable. Let us know how you do with with putting points in that engine. I think I can see your point alright!

 

[lark2004]

Re: 1969 johnson shift problems

it all stemed from a wrong model number or should I say in complete, and wrong. the only info supplied at first was ESL-70.<br /><br />It is abit hard since the engine seems to be at his girlfriends place, nowhere near his computer.<br /><br />Any insightful help would be great, sarcasm won't fix his engine.

 

[R.Johnson]

Re: 1969 johnson shift problems

I can see your point, but I think your stupid! Invites sarcasm.

 

[lark2004]

Re: 1969 johnson shift problems

not my saying, just tring to help a fellow boater, regardless of his views.

 

[jet doc]

Re: 1969 johnson shift problems

It's just my way of saying I like to live a lil bit differtly than the rest of the world. Don't mean to make anyone upset.

 

[Lake Dabanawa]

Re: 1969 johnson shift problems

I have a 1972 Johnson, 65 hp. I am having a similar problem. My boat starts up fine, but when I push the throttle forward (or reverse) the engine just revs up and does not engage into gear??? It wasn't idleing so I had been messing with the idle and the throttle cable. I have it running fine now, just wont engage. Any thoughts??? Thanks

 

[jet doc]

Re: 1969 johnson shift problems

Clutch?

 

[jet doc]

Re: 1969 johnson shift problems

Ok I put a new cabel in went with the one that was a foot shorter now it seems that the cabel has slack in it. haven't run it yet any ideas?