Johnson 90 V4 - gear shift is not 100%? is my clutch dog in the lower unit going bad?

[ib18]

I replaced my impeller 2 years ago. Johnson 90 hp went ok, but I did notice the shift gear was not smooth. So, finally decided to check it out. I found out that it would not lock into Forward or Reverse gear 100% of the times when I move the remote control handle on my boat. So, I disconnected the shift cable to isolate my problem. I could not move the shift lever into Reverse or Forward if the prop is not in the right position. ie. If I am not able to push the shift lever back to lock into Reverse or pull it forward to Forward, then I just kick/spin the prop and it will lock into Reverse or Forward.

​Is my clutch dog in the lower unit going bad? or I need to readjust my shaft length again?

 

[kbait]

Gearcase is designed to shift gears when F and R gears are in motion (always spinning when engine is running). Your having to turn the prop a bit to line things up while shifting with motor not running is completely normal..

 

[racerone]

Agreed---------Motor must be running or propshaft must be turned when shifting.----------Not doing that can damage the control box !!--------And was this lower unit full of water at any time ??-------What was done if anything to correct that problem ?

 

[ib18]

Agreed---------Motor must be running or propshaft must be turned when shifting.----------Not doing that can damage the control box !!--------And was this lower unit full of water at any time ??-------What was done if anything to correct that problem ?

yes, racerone you are correct and good memory. Water did get into the motor before.

No, I didn't tear the lower unit apart to do the pressure test.

The leaking problem was due to the missing o-ring so I added a small o-ring in the plugs back in August 2016. I checked it again before winter snow on November 28, 2016 and I found no water in the lower unit. Oil came out first instead of water.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dszlCeWz-14&t=8s - found no water on November 28, 2016

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jeTPGeey62A​ - found water again in lower unit on August 19, 2016 so I looked closer and decided to change oil and found no o-ring in the lower plug so I added one and problem solved!!!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=__UYv2ADIiU - found water in lower unit on April 25, 2016

 

[ib18]

Gearcase is designed to shift gears when F and R gears are in motion (always spinning when engine is running). Your having to turn the prop a bit to line things up while shifting with motor not running is completely normal..

​Thanks, learn something new everyday.