140tl79r Johnson reverse problems

[Ordneb]

Okay fellas, I need some help again. I completely rebuilt my 140 last summer, bored out 20 over and all new guts. She's been running like a top and pushes my 79 starcraft ss very fast when needed. I took it to the lake today and when I put it into reverse to get off the trailer all she did was grind. Came home and made sure my linkage was all okay. Played with the adjustments for a while and still no good. It goes into forward just fine and runs well. When I shift to reverse it just slips and grinds. Playing with it with my foot while adjusting the linkage I notice that the prop locks up in reverse only while turning it in one direction. When I push it in the direction it should be going it just pops out and spins. So, my question is, Clutch dogs, Reverse gear, something else? I'm guessing I will be tearing the lower unit down and looking for damage but any advice or suggestions you might have will help me tremendously and maybe even save me some work. Thanks.

PS. my summer project for august is to gut the boat and turn it in to a fishing rig. Hope to have pics in a few weeks.

Thanks,
<>< Pastor Tim

 

[phillnjack2]

sounds like you moved the gear shiftrod.
you need to drop the gearbox and measure the length of the rod from top of gearbox to the centre of the hole in the rod at the top.
it only needs to be a few turns wrong and this symptom occurs..
need to look up the exact length of the rod for your model engine, this can be found easy enough on here if you dont have a workshop manual..

 

[Ordneb]

Thanks. I'll tear into it tomorrow and see what I can find. I'll let you know.
<><PT

 

[Ordneb]

Well, now I'm concerned that my bank account might be getting lighter. I just took the gear case off and the shift rod is exactly where it is supposed to be. 21 27/32 " So, is it time to tear into the gear case and look for damaged parts? I don't know what else to do. Thanks for your help.
<>< Pastor Tim

 

[racerone]

Check the shift cable.---Yes they can wear internally.

 

[Ordneb]

Shift cable is new. When shifting to reverse the shift cable pushes clear to the motor. Really can't go any farther in reverse. Still doesn't lock up. Do I dare lengthen the shift rod more than the correct setting? If not then I'm guessing that my reverse gear is needing replaced. I'm still puzzled why it quit locking into reverse. Perhaps it just wore enough to finally start slipping. When I took the gear case off the motor I noticed a very small amount of filings on the top oil filler screw. Nothing more than what should be expected but might indicate worn gears. Stumped.

 

[oldboat1]

Did you try to shift in reverse at the motor? That is, remote cable disconnected?

 

[Ordneb]

I did try that and it still won't lock up.

 

[Ordneb]

Well, here we go again. I just tore the gear case apart far enough to get the reverse gear out. It looks fine. No excessive wear. I did notice that as I took the parts out there was no thrust washer on the reverse gear. I can't imagine it not being there but it was not! I ordered new oil seals for the bearing case and an o ring also as mine looked pretty bad. As I drained the lower unit I again noticed a large amount of metal filings on the magnetic drain plug. Not sure if this is normal or not. Could the lack of a thrust washer affect the shifting positions enough to allow reverse to slip instead of engaging? I guess I'll find out when I get my parts and put it back together again. Any help or suggestions will be greatly appreciated. Thanks.
<>< Pastor Tim

 

[Ordneb]

Final post on this problem. I put my gear case back together yesterday, making sure to include the thrust washer for the reverse gear. I know it sounds crazy but that washer was nowhere to be found when I took the case apart. I ordered up a new washer, o-ring and seals for the bearing case and put it all back together. Lo and behold, reverse works! The only thing I can figure is someone took it apart once upon a time and missed putting the thrust washer back on the reverse gear. How it even ever worked I have no idea. I appreciate all of your suggestions and help. Hopefully I won't need more!
Thanks,
<>< Pastor Tim