78 johnson 35 kicks out of gear

[pallister]

I have a 1978 johnson 35 hp that runs great but kicks out of gear as i accelerate. If I hold the shift lever in until I'm moving it will stay in gear. I tried the adjustment screw for the shift tension but have had no luck. Anyone know the fix?

 

[DJ]

Re: 78 johnson 35 kicks out of gear

The ears on the clutch dog are rounded off. That happens because it has been "eased" into gear over the years. They need to be shifted quick and sure.

The lower unit will have to be rebuilt with a new clutch dog to fix it.

My advice, keep using it the way you are.

 

[HighTrim]

Re: 78 johnson 35 kicks out of gear

My advice, keep using it the way you are.

Im sure when he looks into the price of a new one, he will

 

[pallister]

Re: 78 johnson 35 kicks out of gear

Thank you both for the advice, I will do just that as this is a second boat for fishing smaller lakes
Cheers
Ken

 

[HighTrim]

Re: 78 johnson 35 kicks out of gear

Not blaming you, but as DJ said, the dogs wear due to improper adjustment or worn shift linkages, but usually due to improper slow shifting. Slowly shifting into gear is not benefitting the motor in any way. Make sure you snap the unit into gear as quickly as possible in a sure manner. This will ensure that the precisely machined edges of the dog and gear dont bang and smack against one another, rounding them, which causes the outboard to jump out of gear.

 

[Lodgepole]

Re: 78 johnson 35 kicks out of gear

I agree with what has been said, I had a rounded shifter dog on a 60 hp v4 Johnson. (New Motor) This one would bang and catch again when a skier would load the motor. If yours is just jumping clear out of gear, then I would check that the shift cable is pulling the shift lever all the way into gear at the motor. You may just need to turn the cable end adjuster a few rounds to pull it completely into gear. Hope this works and you don'y need a dog. If this is the case and not fixed, it will ruin the dog for sure.

 

[ezeke]

Re: 78 johnson 35 kicks out of gear

Agreed, Lodgepole.

I believe that the shift rod on this motor is in two sections held together by a coupler with two screws.

If it is not connected properly you could have the same exact symptoms, and you will eventually kill the dog anyway.

 

[pallister]

Re: 78 johnson 35 kicks out of gear

Thanks again to all, your advice is greatly appreciated.
Cheers
Ken