20 HP Johnson will not go into Netural.

[John Drew98]

Replaced waterpump and started the motor up and I put the shifting leaver in netural position but the prop still turns. The linkage screws both tighened and seated all the way. The video shows forward and the prop turns, next is netural and it turns, then reverse and it turns. I did fill the lower unit with recommended oil, I now hear the gears turning which perhapes is okay. The main issue is no netural for the prop not to turn even when the shifiting leaver is in netural position. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qb3uIwYK7Zk The pictures show the groove on the shifting rod is just below the connecting bracket and the rod does not go into the left hand side.

 

[F_R]

Take that bolt out (not just loosen it). Then align the groove in the rod with the hole in the connector. Reinstall and tighten the bolt..

Note, it is very important that the groove be accurately aligned with the hole before installing the bolt, or it may destroy the bolt and connector.

 

[John Drew98]

I think I understand the alignment of the shifting rod now. Can I loosen the top screw and lower the connector if I need to or does the upper rod have a groove also?

 

[NicoPags]

Yes both upper and lower have the groove. The way I’ve always done it, ensure LU is in fwd before reinstalling. Shift lever set to Fwd before I raise the LU. Guide up LU and once I know driveshaft is where it should be and copper exhaust Is lined up I guide the lower shift rod into the upper rod where the linkage is already on. I use a flathead in one hand, lifting gently on the connector, to guide in the rod while the other hand is lifting in the lower unit. With everything resting together I instal the lower linkage bolt and complete the bolting Of the LU after

 

[iggyw1]

The grooves in the shift rod are referred to by "indents" on most of the posts & repair videos that I've seen in the past. Make sure each indent lines up with it's respective bolt hole before you put the bolts in place. The connector and the bolts are still available if you need new ones. I know on my older 25 H.P. Johnson that I had, in forward, the prop would spin in only one direction. In reverse, it would only spin in the opposite direction, and in neutral, it would spin in both directions.

edit: In my post, I should have mentioned when spinning the prop in the directions as noted, I meant to spin it by hand like in your video without the motor running. While running, the prop should not spin in neutral.

 

[TrueNorthist]

I'd also strongly discourage spinning the prop by hand in either direction, with the motor running. Mighty have to nickname you stumpy.

JK, butcha never know eh?

 

[John Drew98]

LOL " Stumpy". I did take out the sparkplugs not thinking of safety but making it easier to turn. As you mentioned always possible danger. I have a set of picks from Harbor Freight and one has a hook which works well for lifting up the connector. Will follow your instructions and try again. Thanks.

 

[racerone]

The brass connecter does not provide for adjustment.----Shift adjustment is at the top on the shifter handle.