Johnson 55 hp 1969 neutral problem

[303cal]

The shift lever seems not to put the motor in neutral; therefore when I hit the key, the startor does<br />not engage. When I turn the fly wheel by hand, the prop turns. Thanks for any help.

 

[alcan]

Re: Johnson 55 hp 1969 neutral problem

Hi cal<br /> On the port side of your motor down by the exhaust cover you'll find two wires, a green one and a blue one. These are your shift wires. there are knife connectors there, covered by a black rubber tube. Disconnect these wires, with a test lite see if you have power to them. Turn key on, put shift leaver in forward should be no power. Neutral should have power on one. Reverse should have power to both. If you find no power at all then the problem is in the boat. There is a toggle swith of sorts in the control box. It is actuated by the leaver. This could be a problem. This motor stays in forward all the time unless it is shifted other wise.

 

[rons boat]

Re: Johnson 55 hp 1969 neutral problem

303cal Could you be confusing the function of your controls? The electric shift models still prevent you from engaging the starter by the electic interlock switch. Sounds like your controls are not working right, so maybe it is not your motor at all. Been a while since I worked on the electric ones, but the previous post sounds right on function. Forward I believe is no power to the leads at all or no activation of the solenoids, so if something went wrong you could still get home.

 

[303cal]

Re: Johnson 55 hp 1969 neutral problem

Thanks both of youall; will check it out tomorrow. cal

 

[Joe Reeves]

Re: Johnson 55 hp 1969 neutral problem

303Cal.... The 1969 55hp JOhnson had what is called a Hydro Electric shift setup. You may find the following information usefull.<br /><br />(Hydro Electric Shift)<br /><br />The shifting setup of the lower unit is what's called a "Hydro Electric Shift", which is quite complex consisting of voltage being applied to solenoids in the lower unit which in turn change oil passages via a oil pump that supplies various pressure on a spring loaded shifter dog. The wires leading to the lower unit (at the powerhead) are "Green" and "Blue". The engine must be running or cranking over in order to shift out of forward gear.<br /> <br />You CAN NOT use HI VIS lube in that lower unit. You MUST USE what OMC calls "Preminum Blend" lube, commonly called "Type C". (A thinner lube) <br /><br />In neutral, you need 12v to the "Green" wire. <br />In reverse, you need 12v to both wires, the "Green" one and the "Blue" one. <br />In forward, there should be no voltage to either wire. (The spring loaded shifter dog forces the unit into forward gear) <br /><br />To check the lower unit for proper shifting to make sure you have no trouble there, remove the spark plugs to avoid problems and to allow a higher cranking speed. <br /><br />This next step eliminates the actual shift switch in case problems may exist there.... Disconnect the blue & green wires at the knife connectors (the rubber insulated boots) leading to the lower unit at the powerhead, then using jumpers, take voltage direct from the starter solenoid to apply voltage to the "Green" wire for neutral, then both wires 'Green" & "Blue" for reverse (Remember the engine must be cranking over in order to shift).<br /> <br />With no voltage applied, the unit should be in forward. No need for a ground jumper... the lower unit's already grounded. You may crank the engine with the key switch or by energizing the starter solenoid with a jumper wire.

 

[303cal]

Re: Johnson 55 hp 1969 neutral problem

I did the test of the green and blue wires in all positions--no power in forward, power on green one in neutral; then in reverse, there is only power in the green one--the blue one is dead. The motor does not turn over when I hit the switch. Any ideas.thanks--cal

 

[alcan]

Re: Johnson 55 hp 1969 neutral problem

Hi Cal<br /> Lets check the starting circuit. First remove and ground all spark plugs. This is for your safety and to protect the ignition system. Make sure the battery and all connections are good. Locate starter soleniod. Use a test remote starter switch or a jumper wire. Jump between the large batt. connection and the smaller post closest to it. The starter should turn. Also remove the prop or put a barrel under it before testing (safety). The motor should crank in neutral or forward. Test the saftey switch also, it is mounted to the top of the cylender block under the flywheel. We need to get this thing turning over first then we'll worry about the shift wire.

 

[303cal]

Re: Johnson 55 hp 1969 neutral problem

Hey Guys, thanks so much for the help; I just cannot get this thing to turn over; jumped the wires as Alcan suggested, no action there; I think this thing is past my limited knowledge and will have to take it in. Cal

 

[grid]

Re: Johnson 55 hp 1969 neutral problem

Lots of excellent replies here, but 303, something to re-check: when you go to jump the solenoid, you need to connect the inbound RED from the battery to the small yellow/red wire to properly jump it. Many times I've seen the solenoid replaced and the solenoid ground switched from one post to the other...not that that makes any difference in the grand scheme of things, but if somebody's looking for the "post closest to," it might have the wrong wire attached to it. Additionally, ground the neutral safety switch on the starboard side of the powerhead. Just take a jumper and ground the lead to the switch to the block. If I remember, paranoia surpassed logic, and all these safety switches were connected. Remove and ground the plug wires, stay clear of the prop during testing.