No reverse and high pitch noise

[flathunter]

Outboard is a 1987 Johnson J20ELCUR.

Recently replaced the headgasket due to stripping the spark plug threads and having it helicoiled. Now at med to full throttle(forward) I hear a high pitch noise(not really loud) coming from the motor. I`m not exactly sure what it is. Also, Now the boat does not have reverse. The throttle lever feels stiff but I`m able to put it into reverse. The problem is, is that the motor just revs and does not go anywhere. Seems like it`s not going into gear. I need help on where to start and what to look for. I`ve read a couple of threads on similar issues but on different motors. I just dont want to start taking things apart that might make things worse. Thanks in advance fellas!!!

 

[jimdd810]

Re: No reverse and high pitch noise

did you take of the lower unit recently?

 

[flathunter]

Re: No reverse and high pitch noise

Haven't touched the lower unit since the beginning of the year. at that time, All I did was replace the lower unit oil and change the oil seal. Ran great for 3 months and I must of used the boat over a dozen times.

Very frustrating...First it wasn't running right, so I changed the fuel line and tank. Then the problem with the spark plug threads being striped. Now this!!! Maybe I`m over re-acting. Might just be a simple problem that I`m over looking. I just feel helpless since I don't know too much about outboard motors. 2-strokes I have a little knowledge on so it helps out a bit.

 

[jimdd810]

Re: No reverse and high pitch noise

whats your model number?

 

[flathunter]

Re: No reverse and high pitch noise

1987 Johnson J20ELCUR

 

[flathunter]

Re: No reverse and high pitch noise

I`ve been reading a couple of posts that have almost the same issue. Can anyone point to me where the shift rods are at and how to get to them? What do I have to do or check to make sure they are working properly? Thanks...

 

[flathunter]

Re: No reverse and high pitch noise

Well, went to where I keep my boat and worked on it for a little bit today. At first I thought it was the cable because it looked pretty bad. Then I disconnected the cable hoping that it was the problem, but I guess not...It still would not go into reverse but it went easily into forward. I was watching the shift rod and the prop when it would shift. The rod would go up and the prop would go in at forward gear but would not move when in reverse. Neutral is fine.
Then I decided to check the lower unit oil and found sludge.After I drained it all out, there was only about 3 tablespoon at most of this sludge. At this point, I`m thinking of just pulling the lower unit off. Any suggestions in what I need to do to accomplish this? Do I have to put it into gear? Anything to watch out for? Do I have to make sure the throttle settings are in a specific position? What else do you guys think I should change while I`m in there?

I pulled my lower unit off my old boat(Merc 40hp thunderbolt) and I remember having such a hard time lining it back up. Is there a specific way to do this? Any replies would be greatly appreciated...

BTW...my friend replaced the oil seal about 2 months ago. He didn't use the special tool need to remove the seal bearing housing since it came out with just a little muscle. Does that mean that it is not sealing good?

Pictures are for future reference...

 

[jimdd810]

Re: No reverse and high pitch noise

Sounds as if your reverse gear maybe out or the clutch dog. Invest in a good factory manual for your motor. As for special tools omc is good about putting blueprints for the special tools you can make in there manuals, I would do a complete teardown and reseal since you have to tear it down to check the gears and dog out. Good luck

 

[flathunter]

Re: No reverse and high pitch noise

I just got a hold of a manual(Clymer) via library. I'm going to start on the lower unit by tomorrow so hopefully it goes by smoothly. I will also post pics and little captions so that people can use this thread as a small reference if they should happen to run into the same problem.