rock solid stuck shift lever

[uni_panther]

i have a 1962? johnson 5 1/2hp motor. the beginning of last summer it shifted fine but lent it to a friend for a month and then it sat til the end of the summer. when i took it out to run it i noticed that it was difficult to shift thru forward neutral and reverse. now the thing is rock solid stuck in forward. i also noticed a clank in the motor when running wide open. i thought it was commin from the powerhead but dont know if it could b from the shift rods or what. where to start and any ideas would b great. hopefully it wont b a pricey fix or i mite have to get new friends ha.

 

[tx1961whaler]

Re: rock solid stuck shift lever

How did the lower unit (gearcase) oil look?
It could be full of water and seized up.

 

[F_R]

Re: rock solid stuck shift lever

How did the lower unit (gearcase) oil look?
It could be full of water and seized up.

That is a good thought. But when you say "rock solid", do you mean not even a tiny wiggle to the shift lever? If that is the case, it must be siezed where it goes through the housing. You will have to remove the powerhead if that is what it is. You can't blame your friend on that one. Unless it is bent.

 

[1946Zephyr]

Re: rock solid stuck shift lever

Yep, I've had a few do this to me in the past. You'll want to remove the powerhead and remove the shifter (if you can) and clean out the corrosion. Put it back together and recharge it with fresh new grease.

 

[uni_panther]

Re: rock solid stuck shift lever

yep the shift lever wont budge at all...seems like it got proggressively worse just those few hours i used it. i didnt run it too long but i spose it wouldnt take long for it to seize up if theres no oil. thanx for the input, i guess i got some work ahead of me

 

[uni_panther]

Re: rock solid stuck shift lever

so i gather from what ur saying is that it isnt in the lower unit just on the shifter where it runs by the powerhead? im gonna get a service manual. any suggestions on which one is the "best" and where i could pick one up and parts that i would need to do the project just off the top of ur head. i would imagine youd need a new exhaust gasket and some others and ill pry do a carb kit. while im taking the power head off, anything else i should check/replace? the motor is a 62 johnson 5.5 cd-19s...what does the s stand for? i couldnt find that out.

 

[1946Zephyr]

Re: rock solid stuck shift lever

First, I would unhook the shift rod from the shifter and see if the shifter will then move freely. Then try the shift rod and see if it will engage in different gears. If either one individually are stuck, then you'll see where the problem is.

As far as a service manual, I've used Selocs for years and haven't had any complaints, but many here will suggest a factory service manual, which you can find at the Ken Cook Company.

You'll need a base gasket for the powerhead mounting to start with and that is just for the powerhead removal. How does the oil look in your lower unit? If that looks good and no water is getting in, then you should be okay there, but if the oil is milky looking, then a re-seal job is necessary.

The gaskets should be available at your local dealorship. If not, then try here at iBoats. Vintageouboard.com also has gaskets and seals for older engines too. Fortunately, there is still a lot of sources out there for parts. I often go to Seaway Marine for stuff too.