79 Johnson 15hp electric start----- shifter problem

[MTBoat]

I have a 79 Johnson 15hp and everything starts and works fine, but, when shifting from reverse to forward or the other way.....it is difficult to get it to set in neutral, like it sits on a high point and wants to move off of that point into forward or reverse.

Is this is linkage issue or worn part that can be addressed without too much difficulty?
thanks

 

[Rick.]

Re: 79 Johnson 15hp electric start----- shifter problem

There is a linkage and a plastic (nice description Rick) thing that the magneto runs into to stop you from starting at too high a throttle and in forward/reverse. It is on the starboard side of the engine just inside the cowl and directly connected to the shift lever. Have a close look at it and see if there is an obvious problem. There is a metal tang that pops into a V notch on the plastic part that holds it in neutral. I hope this makes sense. Look and you will see. Best of luck. Rick.

 

[the machinist]

Re: 79 Johnson 15hp electric start----- shifter problem

Rick, I think on this older motor that the neutral safety switch for the electric start motors would have been steel instead of plastic. MT, this neutral safety switch unit is set so it deactivates the inline electrical switch to the electric starter so the motor will not start if in gear (safety issue). The spring that the snaps into the location of the steel plate can be adjusted for neutral & still have the electrical switch function like Rick mentions.

 

[Rick.]

Re: 79 Johnson 15hp electric start----- shifter problem

Well it would appear Rick goofed up. I didn't notice it was electric start til now. I always thought he steel was used on the yahtwin. Rick.

 

[MTBoat]

Re: 79 Johnson 15hp electric start----- shifter problem

Thanks guys, I'll give a check over soon and see if I can figure it out.
In the middle of a alpha one bellows change at the moment, then on to the kicker motor and will get back if stumped.