Mid 50s 25HP Johnson won't shift, "not attached".....ideas?

[joaklay]

I'm looking at an ad for another vintage outboard where the seller's selling it as a "parts outboard" because he claims that it has a few problems and doesn't know anything about it, selling it "as is". The only thing that might be a big deal is that he says it doesn't shift, it's stuck in F now and the shifter isn't attached to anything (so he says). I havent seen this outboard yet so sight unseen, what might I be looking at IF I buy it? Any ideas whatsover?

 

[JB]

Re: Mid 50s 25HP Johnson won't shift, "not attached".....ideas?

At worst, some usable parts, many not usable.<br /><br />Buy it by the pound, not more than 1 buck per., or leave it.

 

[G DANE]

Re: Mid 50s 25HP Johnson won't shift, "not attached".....ideas?

The feeling of "shifter not attached" can occur if someone removed the Phillips Screw on lower unit believing is was drain screw. Shift fork will loose it pivot point and block it in foreward. But a 100 other things can be wrong.

 

[rolmops]

Re: Mid 50s 25HP Johnson won't shift, "not attached".....ideas?

Shifter not attached may mean there is no clutchdog in there..

 

[G DANE]

Re: Mid 50s 25HP Johnson won't shift, "not attached".....ideas?

It wouldnt be stuck in forward then - give it a try at the price JB says. This gearbox ( horizontally split) is easy to work on, but parts are pricey.

 

[joaklay]

Re: Mid 50s 25HP Johnson won't shift, "not attached".....ideas?

Well, I bought it as it sold cheaply and I wanted one of those ('55 25HP Johnson RD-17). They've become very collectable and go for a few bucks restored so I'll make it a winter project. Worse case senerio, I can always find a replacement, used lower unit if it's too bad or too costly to repair.

 

[Chinewalker]

Re: Mid 50s 25HP Johnson won't shift, "not attached".....ideas?

Joakley, <br /> Check the easy stuff first. There is a small oval-shaped door on the side of the motor leg, held on by two screws. Behind that is a brass coupling that connects the upper and lower shift rods. It's possible one of the bolts simply fell out or it may not have been reassembled correctly during a previous servicing.<br /> Those old 25s are real stump-pullers. I used to slalom ski behind one as a teenager. Lots of grunt for a 25...<br />- Scott

 

[joaklay]

Re: Mid 50s 25HP Johnson won't shift, "not attached".....ideas?

I'm getting it this next monday so yeah, I'm hoping that it's something simple.<br /><br /> I also have a '54 Johnson RDE-16 (electric) 25 HP that's a little rough looking but functional. I have new decals for it and am planning to repaint it this winter too. It's been previously repainted but not with original colors so I'm going to get it looking original. That motor is missing the rear spark plug cover plate of its hood and I'm searching for one SO if anyone here knows of one that's for sale, please let me know.