65hp Johnson hydroelectric shift problem

[gas hog 75 rude]

Hello I have a 72 65hp Johnson hydroelectric shift. It's been a great motor, but it wont go into forward now. It's making a clunking noise like something is binding. I know it defaults to forward when no power is applied. I disconnected power to it and it still does it. Periodically I can get it into reverse. So I dont think the problem is electrical alt all.

 

[racerone]

Check the gear oil.-----Then take lower unit apart.----Gears are stripped is my guess.

 

[jimmbo]

Drain the oil, how much shiny stuff is in it? And how much water as well. Pump Screen might be plugged, and Piston could be binding from the stuff too. But Racer might be correct.

 

[gas hog 75 rude]

Check the gear oil.-----Then take lower unit apart.----Gears are stripped is my guess.

This was the first trip out for the season. It had fresh gear lube type-a in it. I will pull it out of the water and see

 

[gas hog 75 rude]

Drain the oil, how much shiny stuff is in it? And how much water as well. Pump Screen might be plugged, and Piston could be binding from the stuff too. But Racer might be correct.

If the piston was binding would it act like it's part way between neutral and forward? It sounds like it's trying to engage but cant.

 

[racerone]

Debris / junk in the shift piston bore would jam the piston.----The spring is only so strong to move the piston to get forward gear !