Ship-Master control troubles

[FishMagnet]

I'm running a 1960 40hp Johnson, model RD-22 with Ship-Master controls.<br /><br />Here is whats going on...The motor is shifting ok. However, the position the shift control is in changes each time I shift. That doesn't make much sense. Let me try to clear that up. <br /><br />Say 0 is all the way forward, 5 is the middle (should be neutral), and 10 is all the way back. Some times to shift it in reverse I have to go back to 7, the next time 10. Neutral position is sometimes 5, sometimes at 3 etc...<br /><br />Just looking for some suggestions on where to start looking. <br /><br />Thanks,<br /><br />Matt

 

[djzyla1980]

Re: Ship-Master control troubles

Might not be the right answer but it could give you a starting point. If it were my problem I would look for a cable going bad... or catching up... or even in the controls to see if any wear was present... If this was no help sorry and I'm sure someone will come along and help out better

 

[krb113]

Re: Ship-Master control troubles

If it just started doing this more than likely the cable inside the sheathing is not cinched down good with the (2) set-screws at the shift handle end. Check to see if it is moving. <br /><br />If it is all new to you it could be that,a loose shift handle on the motor, or broken pieces inside of the control box.

 

[FishMagnet]

Re: Ship-Master control troubles

The problem just started occurring. I'll check the two set-screws and see what happens from there.<br /><br />Thanks,<br /><br />Matt

 

[Scotty's Fujiboat]

Re: Ship-Master control troubles

Might as well check the screws on the shift handle itself {if it has them} The screw came off of my 69 Johnson 20 HP and the handle just moved, but no shift till I fixed it. Also check the plastic thumb screw that is held in place by the little hooks that mount to motor before shift handle. Maybe the cable is comming out of the end of that??? <br />Just putting my 2 cents worth in

 

[FishMagnet]

Re: Ship-Master control troubles

I'm not actually sure how to take the cover off the ship-master controls. There are two screws on the front of it, but they aren't holding the cover on. I'm always afraid to mess with stuff I don't understand yet. <br /><br />Matt

 

[falling]

Re: Ship-Master control troubles

On Mine ('58 35hp rude) to take apart the control you take off the two bolts holding it in place, then on back side there are 2 flat headed bolts hold it together. Take those out and you can check the insides.

 

[FishMagnet]

Re: Ship-Master control troubles

Ok...I got the controls apart. Everything looked ok, I'm sure they hadn't been opened since 1972 so I just clean the insides up. <br /><br />Checked the set screws, they are doing their job.<br /><br />The problem seems to be...(boy I wish I knew the right names for things) the actual "shift control" that mounts to the motor. It shifts fine but there is a lot of play, 1/2 inch either direction before it actually shifts. As far as I can tell there are only two screws holding this on, and they are both tight as can be. <br /><br />Any ideas?

 

[krb113]

Re: Ship-Master control troubles

OK let see. Where you say it "mounts to the motor" are you talking about the "mount" that the cable adjuster sits in to hold it steady on the motor or the actual shift arm mounted on the motor is "sloppy" and you run out of cable movement before it gets in gear? Any of that make any sense?

 

[FishMagnet]

Re: Ship-Master control troubles

Yes, that did make sense. Thank you for clarifying that for me. I would be referring to the actual shift arm. Previously when shifting there was a definite click when you went into gear. Now when shifting you don't feel that and sometimes have to move the shifter back and forth to get it to "sit" in gear.<br /><br />Matt

 

[krb113]

Re: Ship-Master control troubles

Didn't ask before but have you had the foot off lately to install impeller or do any maintenance/repair in the l/u. The bolts that hold the shift arm together may be letting the rod slip in/out (unlikely tho) or you may have a worn out bellcrank/clevis under the powerhead.<br /><br />Take the "window" off where you remove the shift arm and try to manually shift the gear lever while watching in the window as to "what up"

 

[FishMagnet]

Re: Ship-Master control troubles

I installed a new impeller earlier in the year. I've had it out on the lake 10-15 times since then with no problems, but I guess that doesn't mean much. <br /><br />I manually shifted with the window off and didn't see any slippage. Not sure if this means anything, but when shifting using the controls it is a fairly hard movement. When shifting manually its almost too easy, I could probably do it with one finger if I tried.<br /><br />I'm at a loss...<br /><br />Matt

 

[krb113]

Re: Ship-Master control troubles

HMM!! That all sounds correct. Seems like to me the next culprit is the cable itself. I am fortunate in the fact that my brother and I have access to several old control cables that we got at a boat marina auction. We have run into stuck cables that would actually give you a fit such as you describe but mostly it is the above post problem/fix.<br /><br /> You can slide the cable itself from the sheathing, coat it with wd40/grapite mix after cleaning the actual cable itself and have a smooth acting cable. He did this on his 2 yrs. ago and is still silky smooth. <br /><br />Otherwise, my name is now Bozo!!

 

[FishMagnet]

Re: Ship-Master control troubles

Thanks for all the help. I'll give the cable a look, clean it up and see what happens. If I need to get a new cable and am looking on eBay, what is the correct terminology to find what I'm looking for?<br /><br />Matt