59 Johnson 18HP shift adjustment

[asdasc]

Hi Folks, I have an odd problem that I can't figure out. I was having issues with my 18hp slipping out of gear in forward. I thought it might be due to the connection on the shift shaft behind the oval plate in the leg, but that was fine. Then I noticed that I can adjust the shifter at the top. There is a couple screws holding the shift lever in place and when you loosen them, I can rotate that lever. I have adjusted it and now it won't 'lock' into either forward or reverse.

How do you adjust that?

Thanks,

Steve

 

[oldcatamount]

Re: 59 Johnson 18HP shift adjustment

I'm not sure what you are doing when you say you are "adjusting" the shift lever because I'm not sure that you can adjust the shift lever. the problem you described sounds to me like the clutch dog has worn a bit. but, you may still be able to flip it over and get a little more use out of it.

 

[boobie]

Re: 59 Johnson 18HP shift adjustment

There is an adjustment up on the top also but sorry, I can't explain it here with out being where you're at. Hopefully somebody will chime in who can. One other thing, is the shift linkage tight underneath the power head ? If it was jumping out of gear in forward by now you most likely have a worn fwd gr and shift dog.

 

[F_R]

Re: 59 Johnson 18HP shift adjustment

Loosen the screws in the handle. With shift handle in neutral detent, use a pair of pliers or something to rotate the shifter shaft (not the handle) while rotating the prop by hand. Try for equal movement of the shifter shaft each way before the prop "clicks" as it trys to engage forward or reverse gear. Tighten screws. If adjusted properly, the handle will have equal movement each way from the neutral detent to make the prop "click". If it is all worn and sloppy, it may be impossible to get right. Also, all is in vain if the clutch dog and gear are worn out.

 

[bktheking]

Re: 59 Johnson 18HP shift adjustment

I went through this with a 20 hp, I adjusted it and it still did it, ended up dog/forward gear was the culprit.

 

[asdasc]

Re: 59 Johnson 18HP shift adjustment

Thanks Guys,

I ran out of time with it today, but will try FR suggestions in the morning.

FR, there are two screws on the top. One in the end of the shaft and one that pinches the lever on the shaft. I am assuming I need to loosen/tighten both, right?

I haven't quite given up on the shift dog, as I can still adjust it to fully engage in forward OR reverse.

Thanks again for the suggestions.

 

[F_R]

Re: 59 Johnson 18HP shift adjustment

Yep, both screws. But it sounds like you have slop somewhere in the linkage. You can't adjust the slop out, that need to be fixed first. AND be aware that sloppy, loose kinkage will destroy the gear and dog.

 

[asdasc]

Re: 59 Johnson 18HP shift adjustment

Thanks FR, I wonder if I have a slip somewhere. I will look at it again over the winter when I have time to play with it. For now, I have it adjusted to engagement in forward, nice neutral, and no reverse. For running back and forth to the cottage in the middle of the lake it works fine. When I need to go backwards, I just pull out the old paddle....

Thanks for your help,