1973 20hp johnson problem

[fishmannaknp]

i recently picked up a boat with a 20r73A motor. seems to run fine but it must be started in either forward or reverse gear. as this is the only way to close the throttle all the way. i will be ordering a service manual but thought i may find the answer here... thanks

 

[fireman57]

Re: 1973 20hp johnson problem

I believe that your engine uses the shift solenoid in the lower unit. They were called electric shift or something close to that. The design was that you could always start in forward and get somewhere in case of a breakdown. The default is forward. I know that I didn't explain this very well but I have only read about them and haven't had the "joy" of working on one. Could be you have a bad wire in the lower unit. If it is not too tough to start like this and safety is not an issue I would probably live with it. Those solenoids from what I understand are getttin fairly hard to fine. If the search feature is up and running do a search on shift solenoid and there are good explanations there.

 

[R.Johnson]

Re: 1973 20hp johnson problem

Youur engine is a simple manual shift engine, same as all of the smaller engines. To start, put the shift handle in neautral, the throttle will only go to the start position. The engine is designed this way to to keep it from going to full throttle in neautral. The engine should start easily in this position. If not, you will have to do some checking.

 

[fireman57]

Re: 1973 20hp johnson problem

Thanks for the correction R. Johnson. Like I said I have never worked on these before. What size engine did they start the electric shift at?

 

[R.Johnson]

Re: 1973 20hp johnson problem

The first, and smallest hydro-electric was the 55 HP, 3 cylinder made in 1968. Correction! They made a 50 twin in 1971 with hydro- electric drive. It seem's I alway's forget about that particular engine. 1972 was the last of the hydro-electric drives. 1973 was hydraulic assist.