1966 Johnson 20 HP questions

[BDbill]

Hi,
I bought a 14 ft. Alumacraft the other day and it cam with a 1966 Johnson 20 HP outboard. The former owner started it up, but since we were not on a lake, I couldn't test it. I wasn't to worried about the Johnson since I had another motor I was going to use on it. I checked it over a little more closely today, and the gear shifter on the side was turning smooth as silk, which I'm wondering if that would be normal. I thought it might have a notch to tell when you are in neutral, reverse, ect. Thanks for your help in advance.
Bill

 

[jamesijb]

Re: 1966 Johnson 20 HP questions

it should click and hold for each position. I would guess that the linkage has come lose.

 

[jamesijb]

Re: 1966 Johnson 20 HP questions

you can turn the prop by hand and move through the positions to see if it engages or not.

 

[F_R]

Re: 1966 Johnson 20 HP questions

There should be a notched detent bar on the side of the powerhead that interfaces with the shifter handle. It also limits throttle advance in neutral and reverse. And establishes the proper throttle start position.

 

[BDbill]

Re: 1966 Johnson 20 HP questions

Hi,
I checked the shifter with the prop, and they seemed to engage, must just be smooth from wear. I changed the lube in the lower unit today, and it was yellow, must have water getting in. When I removed the two nuts, there wasn't any washers. Please excuse me for what might be a stupid question, I am a rookie here would this likely be the reason for the water, or would it have to be more of a leak somewhere else?

 

[60 grit sandpaper]

Re: 1966 Johnson 20 HP questions

FR - -limits throttle advance in neutral and reverse - -that's what that does!thanks. learning alot from you guys on this forum

 

[samo_ott]

Re: 1966 Johnson 20 HP questions

Buy some proper washers for the screws and re-install them and putin new LU oil. Then run it a few hours and check again. That's the only way you'll know if they were the problem or not.