Johnson Service Bulletin #904 - Shift Mechanisms

Issued May 28, 1962, this bulletin describes the revised lever-to-shift-rod screw and longer locking tab for certain Johnson 35, 50 and 75 h.p. outboards. The larger screw head helps prevent the shift-linkage clip from collapsing and developing excessive play.

Johnson Motors service bulletin letterhead
May 28, 1962Bulletin No. SB-904
Shift Mechanisms-standard

SUBJECT:  Change in lever - to - shift - rod screw;
         35 h.p. RD(L), RDE(L) & RJE(L)-19 series,
         50 h.p. V4(L)-10 thru V4S(L)-11B,
         75 h.p. V4S(L)-12 & 12S.

Figure 1 showing original shift linkage screw 303722 and point A
FIG. 1
Figure 2 showing replacement screw 308017, clip, lock tab, lever and bend-up location
FIG. 2

Starting with the V4S(L)-13 model series, the lever-to-shift-rod screw was changed from part #303722 with a 5/16 inch head, figure 1, to part #308017 with a 7/16 inch head, figure 2. This change prevents possible collapse of the clip (or lockplate) which could occasionally occur with the smaller screw, and thus introduce excessive play in the shift linkage. Note that screw 308017 overlaps the edges of the lever whereas the smaller screw does not, letter "A", figures 1 and 2.

Because of using a screw with a larger head, the clip, part #303721, was necessarily modified to provide a longer locking tab. Although modified, the clip's part number remains unchanged. Since this change went into effect with the V4S(L)-13 models, you are in all probability receiving the new style clip from your parts distributor.

This change can also be made on the subject engines since they contained the same screw and clip in the shift linkage as illustrated in figure 1.

Torque screw #308017 to 3-4 Ft.Lbs. (36-48 In.Lbs.)

JOHNSON MOTORS
W. W. DeWees
W. W. DeWees
Service Department

WWD:eb

NOTE:  Post on your RD (35 h.p.), V-50 & V-75 indexes.

Related parts and references

Original screw 303722 was replaced in this application by the larger-head screw 308017. Locking clip 303721 was revised with a longer tab without changing its part number. These are service parts, not separate special service tools.