71 40hp johnson need gear help please!!!!

[wadeius]

I have a model number 40e 71b johnson that is really stiff changing gears. took off the geard cable and tried directly on the engine but it was still really still going in and out of gears. new to boat maintinace can u help

 

[F_R]

Re: 71 40hp johnson need gear help please!!!!

You DO have oil in the lower unit...don't you?

Let's see, that motor is nearly 40 years old. How many times in that 40 years has it been greased? It may be too late now, and you may have to take it apart to clean out all the caked grease and corrosion.