Shift Rod Orientation

[phoodieman]

1967 40 HP Johnson RDSL-29 Super Sea Horse

The service manual shows the shifter rod on one side of the assembly and the parts manual shows it on the other. Is there a difference? I have all the new seals in place and I'm reassembled, without the drive shaft, but it seems like I have to put a lot of force on the shifter rod to toggle between forward, reverse, and neutral. The gear case is still dry. I didn't note the orientation when I tore down so now I feel like a dumb ***.

Phoodieman

 

[lindy46]

Re: Shift Rod Orientation

The shift rod can only go in one way. If you replaced the O-ring the rod will be tight, especially if there is no oil in the gearcase. Once you get it all together, add oil and connect the shifter back up, you should be ok.

 

[F_R]

Re: Shift Rod Orientation

If it has the ball detents (and I think it should), then there is considerable force required to make it "snap" into and out of gear. That is what the detents are for--to make it snap completley into gear and to stay there.

 

[phoodieman]

Re: Shift Rod Orientation

I do have detents on the prop shaft and it does make sense that new seals would make it a little harder to actuate. With gear case oil I can see how that would make it shift easier too. I can shift it and actually after a few shifts it did loosen up. I should be sealed up because I have changed every seal and bearing and I'm ready to reinstall the lower GC. I've had it in and out twice so the reinstall shouldn't have any surprises.

Phoodieman