69 Johnson electric shift operation question

[mikietoo]

Should I be able to do this?

With engine idle:
1 turn on the key and put the shift lever in forward or reverse
2 Rotate flywheel manually
3 See prop turn forward or reverse
(right now if I do this, the prop does not turn and I am wondering if this is normal)

or does the engine have to actually be running?

 

[Joe Reeves]

Re: 69 Johnson electric shift operation question

HP???

 

[rockyrude]

Re: 69 Johnson electric shift operation question

The motor needs to be turning to provide the electricity to shift. The default mode with engine off is to be in forward gear, as soon as the motor starts to turn the electricity generated shifts it into neutral. If you rotate the flywheel the prop should turn in forward. If the prop does not turn, start by checking the lube in the gearcase, it uses special type c lube.

 

[mikietoo]

Re: 69 Johnson electric shift operation question

this is a 40 hp motor.

Is this circuit independent of the battery???

 

[mikietoo]

Re: 69 Johnson electric shift operation question

The motor needs to be turning to provide the electricity to shift. The default mode with engine off is to be in forward gear, as soon as the motor starts to turn the electricity generated shifts it into neutral. If you rotate the flywheel the prop should turn in forward. If the prop does not turn, start by checking the lube in the gearcase, it uses special type c lube.

By "lube in the gear case" do you mean the machine screw on the propeller housing that oil runs out of when you loosen it? I don't know where else to check for any lube on this engine. As you can probably tell, I don't know much about this.

 

[rockyrude]

Re: 69 Johnson electric shift operation question

Yes, there are two screws to refill the gearcase. Before you get too deep into this motor, invest in an OEM service manual, it'll save you a ton of headaches.

 

[Joe Reeves]

Re: 69 Johnson electric shift operation question

this is a 40 hp motor. Is this circuit independent of the battery???

The 40hp model is strictly electric shift... NOT Hydro Electric Shift, and as such DOES NOT need to have the engine running in order for it to shift. However, the electrical mechanism within the lower unit, when in gear will allow the propeller to slip in one direction and grab hold in the opposite direction.

Yes, the shift setup is quite dependent on battery voltage. Also the lower unit must be filled with what is called Premium Blend gearcase lube, also known as Type C gearcase lube. This is absolutely needed for the electric shift engines... nothing else will do. THis electric shift gearcase WILL NOT function properly if you attempt to use the gearlube that is used in the mechanical shift engines.