1969 Johnson 20 hp - Throttle Control Pinion / Gear

[Cory_09]

The throttle gear slips when I fully twist the tiller handle on my 1969 Johnson 20 hp. It only slips off the last tooth.....the one that really matters and allows for full throttle. The teeth aren't broken and don't appear to be worn badly. There is some "slop" in the connection but not a lot. Any suggestions on how to fix this?? Thanks.

 

[F_R]

Re: 1969 Johnson 20 hp - Throttle Control Pinion / Gear

You are talking about the half-gear pinion, right? I suspect two things:

1: The matching gear is wobbling around because of a worn-out bushing or the stud on the bottom of it.

2: The vertical throttle shaft on the side of the powerhead. Remove it and sight down along its length. Is it twisted? Is the plastic key in place at the bottom end? Are both "ears" still on the key? Where the ears slide down into the lower gear, is the slot worn out?

I think one of these is the cause. All are fairly common. The inspection job is up to you.