Control box issues

[LilRedNeckGirl]

On a 1970's era Johnson single lever control box, We are having issues . We had to take it apart to install a neutral safety switch. after reassembling it, when taken from neutral to forward, it works fine, @ shifts then throttles up. then i return it to neutral, and attempt to put it in reverse. It wont budge. wont shift or throttle, like its hitting a wall.
We have dis assembled it a few times, greased it, checked for broken teeth on the assembly, checked all cables, cable bushings and guide channels, checked the locking tab and release handle, and all seems fine, but without fail, when assembled, it might work once or twice then it freezes up. we take it back apart and look and all things are in place as when we assembled it.
We are planning the maiden voyage next month on the Chickahominy river after months of restoration and renovation on a 70's Glastron tri hull. This glitch has us stumped. to make matters worse, I cant find the service manual I bought.
Any advise?

 

[SparkieBoat]

Re: Control box issues

must be something binding your lever when you try to go into reverse..at least thats what it sounds like. did you leave out any parts??

 

[LilRedNeckGirl]

Re: Control box issues

no parts were left out. is there a spring that holds the teeth in place after you shift into gear, @ keeps it aligned when its just the throttle being reved? honestly, it appears that the teeth malalign preventing the shift lever from moving, or, the teeth [3] do not reset properly, again causing them to malalign, locking up the reverse motion. the only spring is the one with the ball that holds the lever in n/f/r according to lever position.
a symptom, when you push the lever into forward, then to full throttle position, that seems to cause the lock up, almost like something 'pops'.

 

[F_R]

Re: Control box issues

You haven't said exactly what control you have, but with a bit of assuming and guessing, here is what I think:

There is sort of a semi-circular plate that the big control lever rotates. On the back of that plate is what I would best describe as a single tooth gear. That gear engages a matching "gear" on the lever that moves the shift cable. I believe you will find that those single tooth gears, as I call them, are worn and jamming together instead of meshing properly. You will have to replace the two parts.

 

[mattsanders]

Re: Control box issues

I had almost this same problem today. I found that the post that the shift linkages rotates on had sheared almost off. I had to replace the back half of the case and all is well.

 

[LilRedNeckGirl]

Re: Control box issues

Im thinking for $100.00 I am going to switch to a two lever system and eliminate all the gears and gadgets.

 

[mattsanders]

Re: Control box issues

For $100 you should be able to find a good working single lever. I wouldnt go back to a dual lever .

 

[LilRedNeckGirl]

Re: Control box issues

Why not a dual lever? it seems simpler, less chance of a break down.

 

[F_R]

Re: Control box issues

Why not a dual lever? it seems simpler, less chance of a break down.

I love your handle (name). I reckon that describes you, right? And your KISS theory.(Keep It Simple, Stupid). The world needs more like you.

 

[mattsanders]

Re: Control box issues

The older I get, the simpler I like things. For me one control seems way simpler than two.

 

[SparkieBoat]

Re: Control box issues

I think the dual lever system has a less complex inner workings..they are pretty bullet proof.

 

[prcacowboy08]

Re: Control box issues

I had one do that and it was the ball bearing that allows the shifter to click into place. It was not in properly and caused a jam. The forward guide gear my be broke as well.

 

[LilRedNeckGirl]

Re: Control box issues

I love your handle (name). I reckon that describes you, right? And your KISS theory.(Keep It Simple, Stupid). The world needs more like you.

yep, that be me, you can look at my web page, free and no porn, www.lilredneckgirl.com