Help: Motorlock not working on 40hp Johnson

[Chad394]

I have a mid 1980s 40hp Johnson. The motor use to lock in place when transporting down the highway. It does not work anymore. If you look at the picture you can see the "claws" no longer grab the adjustment pin. I believe it use to lock when in neutral and would be free when in gear. When I flip the black toggle lever higher on the motor I can see these claws either reach out or reach in, but they do not reach far enough to grab the adjustment pin anymore. I have sprayed lubricant up there trying to free something, but no luck. Any advice on how I can repair this? I dont like the motor being free during transport and flopping around.

Thanks

 

[Bosunsmate]

Ive no recent history on one of those, but motors generally only lock when in reverse otherwise they kick up then. You should see if that works for it, check the linkages as you move it into reverse too

 

[F_R]

The black "Tilt" / "Run" lever is supposed to lock it down when in "Run" position, and release it in "Tilt" position. Reverse/Neutral got nothing to do with it. The "Tilt" / "Run" words make more sense if you are looking at it from inside the boat. BTW, before you worry and ask, if you are under way down the lake in Run position and hit an underwater obstruction, it WILL automatically unlock and tilt.

If it isn't working as designed, I have no idea why not. Can't see t from here.