72 Johnson 85 Hydro Electric Stuck in Neutral

[Rocfire]

Working on a 72 85ESL-72R Johnson. Got the powerhead running with and the waterpump fixed and now it is stuck in Neutral even when not running. (prop spins freely). New Type C fluid in it. Was in forward when I got it. Any ideas? Do I need to full tear down to the oil pump? 12 volts to the green wire when in Neutral + 12 volts to blue in reverse (or vis versa) no voltage to either in forward. I see a lot of post on these stuck in forward but none stuck in neutral.
Thanks for any help,

 

[racerone]

Likely the screen in front of the oil pump has disintegrated.----Pieces now stuck in the shift piston bore and the spring can not put it in forward.----Needs a teardown I say.-----These units are very simple to repair.-----But some will dispute my opinion !

 

[F_R]

Feel lucky? Get it running and shift through the gears a bunch of times to see if the shift piston will unstick. My experience has been that the stuck piston problem was due to lack of maintenance. The stuff that turns oil black is grit. Microscopic grit from normal wear and tear of the gears, etc. Microscopic grit that can get through or around the screen. The grit gets in between the shift piston and oil pump cylinder walls and jams it up. If that happens and it won't unstick, a complete teardown is necessary.

Needless to say, there was a reason that the owner's manual said periodic oil changes are necessary.

PS, not arguing racer's opinion about the screen. Could be. Either way, the crud needs to be removed.

 

[oldboat1]

There is a shift switch in the controller, and it might be worth checking that (available, if expensive). It fits in the electrical half of the box (also available).

 

[racerone]

He says that it stays in neutral even with motor stopped.----So it is NOT an electrical problem.

 

[oldboat1]

If there is an issue with the lower unit, shifting through the gears with the engine running would presumably have shorted the switch. If that's the case, replacement of that expensive little switch would probably not be the best first move -- but maybe on the agenda.

 

[Rocfire]

The electrical signal from the controls seems fine. Poor maintenance is definitely correct. The water pump was miss assembled when I got it. Wrong main fuse so wouldn't turn over. I'll try the start it and switch gear back and forth but most likely will have to tear it down to the pump. Can I get just the screen somewhere? Also need to get some snap ring plyers to reach in there any recommendations?
Thanks for the help.