Strange shifting prob. on '56 10hp johnson

[jbjennings]

Guys,
I've been trying to mix/match some crappy gear parts I have gotten to try to fix the l.u. on my 10hp. I have gotten it back together but can't figure out why that it won't come out of reverse or forward unless I go a little past neutral for both gears. I.e. - go to forward, it goes in gear fine but when I go back to neutral, it's still in gear. If I go a little past neutral, it comes out and stays out when I let it back in the neutral shift notch. Same thing for reverse, I have to got a little forward of neutral to get it out of reverse. I've tried adjusting the shift lever, but this is the best I can get it. I've checked the shift rod linkage in the midsection and it's o.k., too. Also, I noticed that the prop shaft that came out of it had a hole drilled through the spines and a spring in the center of it with a ball bearing on either side. The "new" one I got doesn't have that. Could that be my problem?
Thanks,
JBJ

 

[R.Johnson]

Re: Strange shifting prob. on '56 10hp johnson

There is an adjustment at the shift handle, have you checked that? Do you have a manual?

 

[F_R]

Re: Strange shifting prob. on '56 10hp johnson

Grab hold of the shift rod connector through the disconnect access hole and try to move the shift rod up and down. Betcha it does move, indicating wear up at the handle or the lever at the other end of the handle shaft, under the powerhead. The screw holding the inner lever may simply be loose...a common problem, Yes, the snap shift feature does try to hold it into gear, that is its' purpose. But looseness or wear in the linkage is the problem, not the snap shift.

 

[jbjennings]

Re: Strange shifting prob. on '56 10hp johnson

Thanks guys,
--F-R, I just tested it on the lake and it ran great, never made any attempt to come out of gear. I'm really pleased with it. Now, I get to take the powerhead off and switch out that steering bracket you gave me for it. (Shortly after I ran it the 2nd time, it started jumping out of gear, so I quit fooling with it until I got some new l.u. parts) Then, I can check that shift linkage under the power head. I still have to fix the skeg, it's broken off and looks ugly. I'm going to try to fiberglass it and hope I never hit a stump very hard with it. Will post some pics so you can see how she comes out.
Thanks again for the quick response. I guess it COULD have a LITTLE wear after 52yrs. But still pushes hard!
JBJ