1978 Johnson 70 HP Control Unit re-assembly

[riccini]

I was replacing worn cables to the motor and made the mistake of disassembling the entire remote control unit (for a 1979 Johnson 70 HP) instead of just removing the cable access cover plate. When trying to re-assemble the remote control unit, I cannot figure out how to get it together. There is a ball bearing on a spring that prevents the gear from fully seating. Can someone assist on this? I have been fooling with this for a week. I give.<br />Thanks.

 

[Basscat 1]

Re: 1978 Johnson 70 HP Control Unit re-assembly

Welcome to iboats.<br /><br />Im am not sure but I think you are talking about the sping and ball that keeps the shifter in neutral, forward and reverse.<br />This page should help: web page. Item 13?

 

[riccini]

Re: 1978 Johnson 70 HP Control Unit re-assembly

Thanks. On the 1978 Remote Control unit, the spring and ball (items 30 and 84), prevent the shift and throttle plate (item 37) from fully seating. The ball and spring protrude. I can't see any way of getting this to fully seat without somehow protracting the ball and spring.<br /><br />Due to a typo, my post references both a 79 and 78 control unit. The correct model is 1978. Thanks for any help.

 

[willamettejeff]

Re: 1978 Johnson 70 HP Control Unit re-assembly

If your control is the same as on my 1978 70hp Johnson there should be a small metal plate held in one screw over the spring and ball detent. Remove this plate being careful not to let the spring get away from you. Never had a problem with that, but that is what the book says. Carefully remove the ball and spring, re-install the shift/throttle plate and shift lever assembly and then the ball and spring. What I do is put the ball in the slot with the spring behind it and then pry the back part of the spring into the slot and reinstall the cover. Hope this helps. Oh, BTW, the middle tooth on the shift arm assembly should be centered where it meets the shift/throttle plate gear.

 

[riccini]

Re: 1978 Johnson 70 HP Control Unit re-assembly

Thanks. When I disassembeled the unit. The shift lever assembly was still connected to the shift arm. The screw had not seen daylight for about 20 years and was fused on. Since it came apart this way, I thought I could get it assembled the same way. I was trying to figure a way to get it installed without disconnecting the shift arm. I finally got the screw loose and assembled it as recommended above. Thanks to all for the help.