1975 6hp Johnson Gear adjustment

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63swb

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hi,

I have a 6hp johnson that is not engaging into forward gear completely but positively clicks into reverse with room to move. i assume the linkage needs to be adjusted some how but cant figure out how?

any help would be appreciated! thanks
 

peterskeeter

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Re: 1975 6hp Johnson Gear adjustment

Don't know if your motor is the same but I have a 1975 25 HP and the way to adjust the gear engagement play is to open a cover located on the drive shaft housing. I believe it is on the starboard side of the the motor ( right side when looking at motor from behind.) It has two screws holding it on. Remove the two screws and you will see a clasp holding two shafts together. By moving the shafts further away from each other within the clasp, you can add play. By moving the shafts closer to each other within the clasp, you can remove play. I hope this helps somewhat. Someone correct me please if I am wrong.
 

F_R

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Re: 1975 6hp Johnson Gear adjustment

There are no adjustments on a 6hp. If it won't shift into forward, something is bent, broken, or loose. ---OR--- the motor isn't running. Is it?? If not running, the gears may not mesh and you will have to twirl the propeller to get them to slip together.
 

63swb

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Re: 1975 6hp Johnson Gear adjustment

the motor is running so yes something is probably bent or broken somewhere. is there drawings or instructions for removing the lower unit somewhere?
 

Vic.S

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Re: 1975 6hp Johnson Gear adjustment

No instructions but the diagrams in the parts list may be helpful

Parts lists

Find your motor by year and model and look at the gearcase and exhaust housing diagrams. Zoom in to view detail

You do mean "wont engage" as opposed to "tends to disengage"? The latter would be a symptom of a worn clutch dog.

Worth checking the joint between the two halves of the shift rod, but AFAIK it is accessed by dropping the gearcase a little on this model. The two sections must be fully inserted into the clamp with the pinch bolts behind the "heads"
I'd bet that one of the halves is not fully into the clamp ! Bad engagement of forward but engages reverse with room to spare

I think a bent shift rod would make reverse gear the problem one.

Worth considering that the pivot pin for the shifter has been removed (in mistake for the drain screw) #28 on the gear case diagram and not replaced properly. No idea what effect that would have except that the gears would not shft properly but probably not at all
 

63swb

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Re: 1975 6hp Johnson Gear adjustment

Thanks for the help!

Turns out that Vic. S was spot on! the lower rod was not in the clamp properly, I adjusted it and now it goes into gear and stays there without a problem
 

Vic.S

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Re: 1975 6hp Johnson Gear adjustment

Thanks for reporting back.

Nice to know when one gets things right occasionally. :)
 

BananaMan

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Jul 24, 2023
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Hey guys,

I realize this post was over Ten years ago.

I just bought a 1975 6hp. I have the exact same problem.
The motor "jumps" or "slips" out of forward gear when moving. Sometimes it'll hold for a couple of minutes, sometimes it's only 30 seconds.

I can hold the shifter forward and it's good, wonder if this would cause damage though?
I don't have to forcefully hold it there.

Anyway, I am going to take the motor out and have a look at that lower rod.

Anyone know of any videos or guide to a repair like this ?
 

tpenfield

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Jul 18, 2011
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Hey guys,

I realize this post was over Ten years ago.
MOD EDIT: Please review the forum rule about posting to old threads. It is best to start a new thread with your relevant information.
 
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