1969 Johnson Electric Shift??

[JCSuperman]

I just replaced the impeller on my 68 Johnson 55hp 3cyl. The old one had spun off of the center shaft bushing. Before replacing this, I did notice that the prop would not "Free Spin" while the engine was off, is this normal for electric shift. NOW.. after replacing the Impeller, when I start the engine, it's in forward gear. I tried to stop with my foot...nope.. Put the shift lever in neutral, or reverse, stays in gear - forward... Don't have a shop manual, but doesn't seem to be anything I did.. any help?? Thanks a bunch.<br />Jc

 

[oldboat1]

Re: 1969 Johnson Electric Shift??

not a normal condition. The prop should spin freely when in neutral. It sounds like you might have reconnected the wires incorrectly when replacing the leg.

 

[Dhadley]

Re: 1969 Johnson Electric Shift??

What you have is a hydro-electric shift. It shifts via hydraulic pressure. With the motor off or no power to the lower unit it will be in forward.<br /><br />Check for power at the wires. With the key on and the control in neutral you should have power to one wire (green - I think). In reverse you should have power to both wires. <br /><br />Good luck!

 

[JCSuperman]

Re: 1969 Johnson Electric Shift??

Sorry, forgot.. When I dropped the L/U I removed the Celinoids, I didn't remove any wiring. Once done they only fit one way.. one wire is longer.<br />I just called a local dealer to see if they had a manual, the service mngr told me that "he thinks" that I need gear lube in this to work (which I don't due to trying to see inside the torpedo). So I'll check that.. Thanks for the reply's.

 

[Dhadley]

Re: 1969 Johnson Electric Shift??

You ran it without lube? Ooooops!!<br /><br />Make sure its the correct lube when you do put some in. It makes a difference.<br /><br />You did have water running to it when you had it running, right? If not you need to. It washes away the blood when you stick your foot in the spinning prop.<br /><br />Good luck! Really!

 

[JCSuperman]

Re: 1969 Johnson Electric Shift??

Dhadley, good one... LOL... <br /><br />Yes I did start it w/o lube, but..umm, I'll say 1/4 of it was still in the case so it wasn't dry.<br /><br />I did find out that the shifting is done electrically, not manually. SO, the forward gear is a "default" for the gear case in case you have a problem on the water. Also, the clutch is hydraulic, so it does need lube for it to work. I purchased some gear lube, for electric shifts from the local OMC dealer, will let ya know how this turns out. Thanks for the help.<br />Jc