More newbie questions.......shift lever?

[kimsmith4807]

Hi, it's me, the newly acquired Johnson 1963 10hp QD-24. My new owner doesn't know what the lever on my STBD side is for. I'm pretty sure he knows that the center position is Neutral and for starting but he is confused about the forward position and all the way back. He is unclear about these positions and how they relate to throttle positions. Can you guys help this poor sole before he blows me up. Thanks........Johnson 10 hp signing off.

 

[F_R]

Re: More newbie questions.......shift lever?

Hi, it's me, the newly acquired Johnson 1963 10hp QD-24. My new owner doesn't know what the lever on my STBD side is for. I'm pretty sure he knows that the center position is Neutral and for starting but he is confused about the forward position and all the way back. He is unclear about these positions and how they relate to throttle positions. Can you guys help this poor sole before he blows me up. Thanks........Johnson 10 hp signing off.

Um, you wouldn't be the owner would you? Just kidding.

You definately should invest in a owner's manual. www.outboardbooks.com They have copies of the book that came with the motor when it was new.

It is the gearshift. Center is neutral. Forward is forward gear. Back is reverse gear. Put the throttle (twist grip) all the way toward "slow/stop" and then put the shift in neutral. Then turn the twist grip toward "fast" as far as it will go (in neutral). That is the starting position. Ignore what the wording on the twist grip may be, they are usually way of.

Once it starts, slow it down to slow idle and "snap" the shift lever into gear. Go as fast as you want with the twist grip. Be sure to slow back down to slow idle before shifting to neutral or reverse. Always "snap" it into gear with a quick decisive movement. NEVER "ease" it into gear---that causes severe and expensive wear.

Fuel mix is 24:1, one pint of TCW-3 outboard oil to 3 gallons of gas. Make sure the water pump works, don't burn that nice motor up.

 

[alangf]

Re: More newbie questions.......shift lever?

I don't quite understand your question but yes, the starboard side lever is the shift lever. Moving it back (aft) will put the engine in reverse which is the same direction you have moved the lever. Similarly, moving it forward will make the boat go forward. Make sure it moves all the way into either gear. This is more of an issue with remote controls than with manual operation. Do not shift from neutral at high engine RPM. The position that says, "Shift" on the tiller handle is a guide for this. Also move the shift lever briskly. Do not try to "baby" it into gear as this causes the goodies in the foot to clash. I hope this helps.

 

[kimsmith4807]

Re: More newbie questions.......shift lever?

F_R, Thanks a bunch for the information. The fuel that was in the tank was mixed way too rich and the plugs showed it. Heavy carbon deposits. And when I ran the motor last night, using the old fuel, in a tank the water became very oily almost black and the engine skipped some. Almost like things were fouling a bit. Today......two new plugs and a fresh 24:1 tank of fuel and the engine purred like a kitten and the water was still fairly clean. It's amazing how well this engine that's 46 years old still runs. I especially like how cool to the touch it runs with water running through it. I have alot of experience with car engines but none with outboard motors. I must say how excited I am to learn about them. Got the trailer and boat registered today, the motor seems to be running fine. And yes, I ordered an operators manual too. I have some questions about two adjustment knobs, something to do with rich and lean settings. The fellow who sold me the boat said he never touched them. That's all I know about them. I also have a question about a very small hole on the underside of what I can only describe as a flat horizontal fin just above the prop. The hole is on the right side underside and oozes this oily/water mixture. Again, Thanks to all for the help.

 

[lindy46]

Re: More newbie questions.......shift lever?

The upper knob is the low speed adjustment. The bottom is high speed. If it's idling pretty good, don't touch the low speed and take her out on the lake. Open her up and adjust the high speed until she runs at optimum speed. Then slow her down to an idle and if she runs good, leave her alone. If not, turn the low speed clockwise until she sneezes, then turn the knob counterclockwise about 1/4 turn.

The small hole is a drain hole and should ooze water/oil - perfectly normal.