Johnson 140 1987 lower unit assembled prop locks in forward throttle

[SD Black Sheep]

Need some help. Got the lower unit back on: in reverse the prop locks both ways (think is normal right?), neutral spins freely, forward locks both ways.

Is this because the height of the shift shaft is off. I ended up messing with the height and then tried measuring to the manual's suggestions. Felt like is was pretty close on height but maybe not perfect.Used a homemade tool ( yard stick and long bolt)and not a proper measuring instrument.


Could this be the reason it seems to be in reverse (prop locks)when throttle goes in forward or is there any other guesses in what is going on.

 

[glenn property of pam]

in neutral prop should spin freely. In either gear prop should turn a little before locking in either direction. (new water pump may make it fell locked as soon as the unit is in gear).

 

[SD Black Sheep]

So whats the next step. Turn her on and see if she spins correct directions while running? I was ubder the impression if forward the prop would not lock but spin counter cockwise. Does the engine need to be running in order to check this?

 

[glenn property of pam]

forward and reverse gear are always being turned by the engine but they are unlocked from the prop shaft. All the gear selector does is to move a piece call a dog into the gear locking it to the prop shaft. Sometimes the gears can not be selected with the engine turned off as the dog does not line up and the hydraulic assist is not up to pressure as the engine is not running. As long as it spins freely in neutral start the motor and test.
Warning: do not rev real high on muffs as the engine has no load and make sure the prop stops spinning before changing direction (normally in the water the drag would stop the prop spinning but on land the prop has to have time to slow down)