1963 Johnson 40hp

[RSGreen]

I have a 1963 Johnson 40hp Super Sea Horse. It is off the boat while boat is being restored. I want to turn the motor over to "winterize" it and can not seem to get it out of gear. I suspect I am missing something. Boat and motor are very well taken care of an assume the motor does turn over. Any advise?

 

[racerone]

Maybe the throttle is open too far and the interlock is preventing it from shifting to nuetral.--------Have you drained / inspected oil in the gearcase ?------Is this an electric shift model ?

 

[RSGreen]

Maybe the throttle is open too far and the interlock is preventing it from shifting to nuetral.--------Have you drained / inspected oil in the gearcase ?------Is this an electric shift model ?

Thanks racerone. It is not electric shift. I checked the throttle and made sure it was backed off as much as possible with no luck. I have not drained lower unit oil yet.

 

[RSGreen]

Backed off as much as possible explain? Are you using the controls or doing it manually pull the cowl maybe the armature is sticky push the armature plate to where it is not touching the shift lock lever up under the flywheel on the shift lever side of the motor. If you just want to fog the motor for now just jump the starter with jumper cables pull the plugs and open the throttle. clamp ground to the starter bracket and as your spraying the oil in the carb touch the starter lug with the pos jumper and watch out for the prop. If the armature plate is sticky you nedd to pull the flywheel anyways at least oil up the internals of the motor, bearings/seals.

kimcrwbr1: I am not using controls. I have moved the armature so not touching shift lock lever. I may have mis-spoke in my first thread; the shift lever seems to be in neutral position, does not go in to reverse or forward fully when moving the shift lever. Seems to be "stuck" in neutral, but motor will not turn. This may clarify my question a bit. Thanks!

 

[racerone]

If the motor will not turn you may have major problems internally.----Drain that oil !!----------Also try turning the prop while trying to shift this motor.

 

[RSGreen]

If it shifts when you turn the prop the gearbox is likey still good.

kimcrwbr1: I will drain lower unit and do what is suggested. I just had foot surgery yesterday so need to let heal for a couple days before I can get back out in the shop. Thanks much for the guidance!!