Shifting without running?

[fincherjon@yahoo.com]

I've recently replaced the carbs on my 60 hp johnson. I was following some detailed intstuctions on linking and syncing them. I was scratching my head when I got to adjusting the wot stop screw as shifting through to full throttle does not move the cam anywhere near wot. i shifted in and out of gear several times. So now I hear that shifting while the outboard is not running can stress and damage parts. Is this true? Have I hurt anything?

 

[oldboat1]

nah. don't force it in or out of gear. Rotate the prop a little or manually rock the flywheel a little clockwise if the gears aren't engaging.

 

[fincherjon@yahoo.com]

Thanks. Just had me worried. I saw that this was one of the three stupid ways people destroy their outboards on a video. I'm having enough trouble without worrying about that.

 

[flyingscott]

Just disconnect the shifting cable you can do all your adjustments without the cables connected.

 

[racerone]

Correct----The motor must be running or the prop must be turned when shifting most motors.