1969 johnson prop problem

milt10

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Aug 24, 2010
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8
I was out fishing yesterday and hit something with the prop of a 1969 35 hp motor looked back never seen what it was. Now the boat will go in low gear but at full throttle it seems like it goes into like nuetral pull back on the throttle and it will go back to movng at low speed got the boat home and while in gear the prop wiggles back and forth but it does seem to stop at a certain point to where it picks up the compression of the engine. the shear pin is still in tack did not shear it. Any ideas where to look for a problem. Like I mentioned the prop rotates freely while in gear but stops and picks up the compression of the motor go back the other way and it does the same spins freely and stops at a certain point.
 

Fl_Richard

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Jan 21, 2005
Messages
1,428
Re: 1969 johnson prop problem

You have "spun" the prop.

That is the rubber bushing that attaches the metal prop and blades to the metal splined hub has separated and when you hammer down the splines rotate inside the prop as though there not connected. Put a mark on the hub and the prop, take it out if they dont line up when you get back the prop needs to be worked on. Not expensive but required.
 

steelespike

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Apr 26, 2002
Messages
19,069
Re: 1969 johnson prop problem

Near as I can figure if its a 69 its not a 35 its a 33 or a 40.If its a 35 its not a 69.
You may be able to get the prop repaired and it may be cost effective.
There is a possibility that if the prop is original you may be better off with new.
The old prop could actually be worn out and a new one may have more modern technology.
 

milt10

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Aug 24, 2010
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Re: 1969 johnson prop problem

This is a 35 hp so if not a 69 johnson does anyone know the year , the bushing in the metal prop is a brass bushing not rubber , is it possible that I didnt hit anything but something in the transmission slipped out of place or even snapped that puts it in from slow speed to full throttle also looks like that when the throttle cable is off the lever goes all the way down in the slot but with the cable on it is out of the slot a little.
 

steelespike

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Apr 26, 2002
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Re: 1969 johnson prop problem

Should have a model number on the mounting bracket top front.
Eartly 35 rtan 57-59 becoming 40 hp in 60 with a 33 introduced at that time
Near as I can figure the newer 35s appeared in 76. These have A thru hub exhaust.
The prop has a bronze hub pressed into the prop body with a rubber cushion.
This slips when you strike something saving damage.
You have the classic symptoms of a Spun hub.
Draw a waterproof line across the hub and body of the prop and test run you will find the line broken if the hub is spun.
Very likely as you use the motor the hub will spin with less and less throttle.
 

milt10

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Joined
Aug 24, 2010
Messages
8
Re: 1969 johnson prop problem

Hi everyone thanks for the help so far , I havent run the motor yet going to find a trash can barrel or something hopefully that will work to check it out if not then im gonna have to pack her up take her to the lake here is what I got off the plate as far as model and serial dont know if all the numbers are there if not then they have wore off ,
Model RDE-19
Serial 1626638
thats all there is on the name plate on the mounting bracket hopefully this will help someone out to identify the year of this motor.
 

steelespike

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Apr 26, 2002
Messages
19,069
Re: 1969 johnson prop problem

RDE19 is a 1958 electric start 35 hp.
Just for reference It is a dark copper/red and white with a metal cowl/cover.
Non thru hub prop.
You won't be able to test a spun hub right in a barrel.
 

milt10

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Aug 24, 2010
Messages
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Re: 1969 johnson prop problem

yes that is the one so is it possible to still have a spun prop should I still check for that first.
 

steelespike

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Apr 26, 2002
Messages
19,069
Re: 1969 johnson prop problem

Yes; it may be slightly more common with these motors probably from age.
By the way the free partial rotation of the prop in gear is normal play in the clutch dog.
 
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