1973 85hp johnson popping out of gear

[mike1234tampa]

Hello,<br /><br />I have an 1973 85hp Johnson that has been stored for 17 years, it is in excellent physical condition, mint. It is on a 1972 Chyrsler hydro deep v hull, 18ft, that I have fully restored. <br /><br />Took it out for the 1st time, all went well for crusing at a low speed for 2 hours, cranked it up got broke a plane, got just about wide open and it seemed to pop out of gear, put it in neutral, thought prop fell off, but it went in gear, drove slowly to dock and went home.<br /><br />I have installed a new cable during the restore, and changed gearcase oil.<br /><br />Any suggestions.

 

[OBJ]

Re: 1973 85hp johnson popping out of gear

Welcome to the iboats forums dead dude....<br /><br />If it felt like you hit a log when the engine kicked outta gear, you probably should take a look at the clutch dog and gears. What happens is the lobes on the clutch and/or the gear get rounded over to a point that at a certain torque, usually at WOT, they slip out and back in.<br /><br />Make sure the shift adjustments are good. If the problem persists', you may be looking at taking the gear case apart.

 

[waterinthefuel]

Re: 1973 85hp johnson popping out of gear

I would suspect shift adjustments. He said it was in storage for almost 2 decades. That tends to eliminate wear related issues like clutch dogs. I would strongly look at the shift adjustments in this case.<br /><br />Dude, post a pic of that boat. I'd love to see it.

 

[R.Johnson]

Re: 1973 85hp johnson popping out of gear

Sitting that long without use, also check the rubber hub in the prop. It could be dry rotted, and slipping.

 

[OBJ]

Re: 1973 85hp johnson popping out of gear

R.Johnson probably has the answer. Dead dude, when the engine "seemed" to come outta gear, did the engine rpms take off and at the same time the boat slowed down? If this is the case, then, as R.Johnson posted, look at the prop hub. It has most likely spun. These can be replaced at any prop shop.<br /><br />To test the theory, make a reference line from the rubber hub to the metal portion of the hub. Use a marker you can see and won't wash off. Run the boat and if the problem occurs again, check the reference line. If the lines do not match, the hub has spun.

 

[mike1234tampa]

Re: 1973 85hp johnson popping out of gear

Thanks for all the great info, I was kind of thinking the same thought, testing the prop hub with a line on itis an excellent Idea. I have 2 other props that I am going to bring next time as well. I was going to look at the linkage with some one moving the throttle to see if the shifter linkage moves at all. I only paid $200 for the motor, a boat that was shot (junked it) and trailer that was perfect. If I have to rebuild the lower unit, no big deal. <br /><br />Will try it this weekend, florida you got to love it<br /><br />I will let everybody know what it turns out to be.