Shift Lock Bushing

[KyPoorBoy]

Hello Gentlemen,
I have a 1972 JOHNSON 25HP model 25R72R. I recently went thru this MOTOR and replaced the powerhead and the needed gaskets as well as carb rebuild. After all that the gearcase was worn so I replaced the gears and clutch dog. Now on some occasion it still will slip back to neutral but not sound like I got something like it did before. I am thinking and hoping and praying it is the adjustment or the shift lock bushing that rolls on the shift lock has a major groove wore in it that goes half way around the bushing. Could either of these be the cause. I am thinking it may be the combination of both. The manual says when shifting to forward , the shifter should not move as much as going to reverse but I am not having any luck with adjustment. I frankly don't understand the procedure it advises. So I have a new shift lock bushing ordered and hopeful a regular o-ring will work as a retainer for the shift lock bushing. Also the gearset I bought was used but it looked good. Any thoughts or advise will be greatly appreciated. I could not have gotten this close to finishing this project if not for the help of you fine folks.
Many Thanks

 

[KyPoorBoy]

Gentleman,
Also I forgot to mention that a friend who is a fine mechanic but has very limited outboard experience seems to think the shift lock bushing is causing the problem. Just thought I would advise my thinking this.

 

[F_R]

Well the bushing may be a problem, but I seriously doubt it is what is causing it to come out of gear. The lock bar is to provide an interlock between the shift and throttle. It is not intended to hold it in gear, nor can it. You need to revisit those replacement parts you put in the gearcase. It takes surprisingly little wear on the dog ears and gear recess to make it jump out.

 

[KyPoorBoy]

No Title

Well the bushing may be a problem, but I seriously doubt it is what is causing it to come out of gear. The lock bar is to provide an interlock between the shift and throttle. It is not intended to hold it in gear, nor can it. You need to revisit those replacement parts you put in the gearcase. It takes surprisingly little wear on the dog ears and gear recess to make it jump out.

7 Gentlemen I didn't think anything was wrong with my GEARSET and I only adjusted the gear shifter as per shop manual instructions. Since then I have been out on the lake three separate times and once it was for about 12 hours and it has not failed to shift and stay in gear as it normally should. Has the student become the master? No but it's nice to dream. Thanks to everyone for your help and advise.

 

[racerone]

So what was the problem ?-----Is it now working properly ?

 

[KyPoorBoy]

Yes it works just like a Brand new one or rather like a 1972 JOHNSON 25HP should. It stays in gear under any load I put on it.
So apparently the problem was exactly what I suspected and that was where I overhauled the entire MOTOR from top to bottom the gear shifter needed to be adjusted where it travels further to engage reverse than it travels to engage forward the forward gear. Had I not tore the entire unit apart I would have thought as others that the gears were worn . The instructions for shifter adjustment are in the shop manual.
Thanks

 

[F_R]

If you're happy, we're happy.