Hello!
I recently acquired a '71 Johnson 4hp in pretty rough shape. After replacing the head gasket, rebuilding the carb, water pump, and resealing the gear case it runs like a dream! The only issue I found after it's maiden voyage last weekend was with the tilt mechanism/reverse lock... according to the owner's manual, it should lock the tilt assembly only when in reverse "A special lock arrangement built into the drive housing prevents the motor from tilting while in reverse." Mine seems to be locked at all times, even when in the forward position.
The manual simply says "To tilt motor, grasp tilt grip at rear of motor cover and pull motor toward you. Do NOT use steering handle for leverage when tilting motor."
Even if the engine is on a stand and I pull up as hard as I can, I cannot overcome the reverse lock "claw", which seems to be engaged at all times with spring pressure unless you manually retract it. This isn't a big deal on the bench, but when I'm out on the water and I need to raise the motor quickly, it's a different story. It involves leaning back and reaching over the transom/fumbling on the backside of the mid-section to manually release the latch, while simultaneously pulling up on the motor.
I'm also worried that if the motor isn't tilting as designed, if I were to hit an underwater object I could potentially cause some serious damage to the motor or the transom of my canoe if it doesn't kick up.
I've looked at the parts diagram, and even at pictures of other motors of similar vintage and it looks like everything is there; all three springs, the lock, tilt lever, etc. There's nothing in my Johnson service manual about it either. It doesn't seem like this thing is mechanically linked to "reverse" (spinning the motor 180 degrees) in any way. There's nothing unlocked or latched when you rotate the motor head, you can even release the "claw" when it's in the reverse position and still tilt the motor. The previous owner had a zip tie around the reverse lock holding it in the up position indefinitely. I can go back that route if I have to, but it just seems hokey, and I'd rather figure out how it works/what's wrong and fix it the right way. Plus this essentially would make "reverse" useless, as it would thrust the motor out of the water. I consider myself fairly mechanically inclined, but I'm genuinely stumped by this... This can't be how it's supposed to work, can it? Any help is greatly appreciated!
Thanks,
Alan
1971 Johnson 4hp, model 4W71D
I recently acquired a '71 Johnson 4hp in pretty rough shape. After replacing the head gasket, rebuilding the carb, water pump, and resealing the gear case it runs like a dream! The only issue I found after it's maiden voyage last weekend was with the tilt mechanism/reverse lock... according to the owner's manual, it should lock the tilt assembly only when in reverse "A special lock arrangement built into the drive housing prevents the motor from tilting while in reverse." Mine seems to be locked at all times, even when in the forward position.
The manual simply says "To tilt motor, grasp tilt grip at rear of motor cover and pull motor toward you. Do NOT use steering handle for leverage when tilting motor."
Even if the engine is on a stand and I pull up as hard as I can, I cannot overcome the reverse lock "claw", which seems to be engaged at all times with spring pressure unless you manually retract it. This isn't a big deal on the bench, but when I'm out on the water and I need to raise the motor quickly, it's a different story. It involves leaning back and reaching over the transom/fumbling on the backside of the mid-section to manually release the latch, while simultaneously pulling up on the motor.
I'm also worried that if the motor isn't tilting as designed, if I were to hit an underwater object I could potentially cause some serious damage to the motor or the transom of my canoe if it doesn't kick up.
I've looked at the parts diagram, and even at pictures of other motors of similar vintage and it looks like everything is there; all three springs, the lock, tilt lever, etc. There's nothing in my Johnson service manual about it either. It doesn't seem like this thing is mechanically linked to "reverse" (spinning the motor 180 degrees) in any way. There's nothing unlocked or latched when you rotate the motor head, you can even release the "claw" when it's in the reverse position and still tilt the motor. The previous owner had a zip tie around the reverse lock holding it in the up position indefinitely. I can go back that route if I have to, but it just seems hokey, and I'd rather figure out how it works/what's wrong and fix it the right way. Plus this essentially would make "reverse" useless, as it would thrust the motor out of the water. I consider myself fairly mechanically inclined, but I'm genuinely stumped by this... This can't be how it's supposed to work, can it? Any help is greatly appreciated!
Thanks,
Alan
1971 Johnson 4hp, model 4W71D