Johnson Service Bulletin SB-958 - Modified Reverse Lock Lever

SB-# 958 LOWER UNIT

SUBJECT: Modified reverse lock lever, #307231 - all V-75 engines (1960-1963)

Our Engineering Department has conducted a series of tests with an improved reverse lock release mechanism in an effort to reduce breakage of the reverse lock lever.

An improved reverse lock lever and several associated parts have been made available as result of this testing and will be added on all production V-75 engines in the very near future.

This same improved lever and associated parts can also be added to any V-75 engine already in the field. The improved lever carries the same part number (307231) and can be identified by the letter 'E' on its LOCK side - adjacent to the cable hole - as shown by the arrow - figure 2.

This improvement can be incorporated in all previous V-75 engines, by merely adding the following detail parts:

Pieces Required Part Number Description List Price 1 308695 Pin - lever $ .05 1 310364 Bushing - cable * 1 307408 Spring - cable .15 1 304222 Collar - cable .15 1 304221 Screw - collar .05 1 307231 Lever - reverse lock .30 *Price will be available at later date.

In application, part 310364 bushing elevates the release cable over the tilt bolt to reduce cable drag (bind). Part 307408 spring maintains constant tension on the release cable and acts as a positive carry over for the release lever - preventing it from coming to rest in any but LOCK or RELEASE position. Prior to use of this spring, the release lever did occasionally move from release to neutral position as the motor was raised, and the lever broke as it hit the transom. Use of the spring holds the release lever secure in release position at any degree of motor tilt.

It is not necessary to remove the stern bracket assembly from the engine as figures 2 through 6 might suggest. This sequence of photos was used for sake of explanation. To add these parts to a V-75 engine, merely lift the engine from boat transom or motor stand by its lifting bail with a portable dolly or overhead hoist. This makes the engine accessible from the front.

PROCEED AS FOLLOWS - ALL V-75 ENGINES (1960-1963)

Remove existing release lever, bow washer and roll pin and discard these items.

Page 2 SB # 958

Install new (strengthened) release lever 307231 and spiral pin 308695. Bow washer is not required with new lever. Figure 2. NOTE: With motor hanging from lifting bail, roll pin may be removed and installed from underside with suitable punch.

Insert 310364 bushing (slip fit) - Figure 3. NOTE: Production version of this modification features a cast in bushing.

Thread cable (arrow) through release lever and through bushing - Figure 4.

Page 3 SB-# 958

Install 304222 collar on cable and secure end of cable with connector. Note release lever in lock position at this time. Cable should be drawn taut while tightening connector - figure 5.

Secure 304222 collar to release cable with 304221 screw at a point 4" to 4½" from cable connector. Hook one end of 307408 spring through 304222 collar, the other end through existing hole (arrow) in port side of swivel bracket - figure 6.

To check cable adjustment - attempt to tilt motor with lever in lock position. Engine should not tilt. Move lever to release position. Engine should now tilt. If additional adjustment is necessary, refer to steps 4 and 5.

All parts shown in this bulletin are presently available from your Parts Distributor at the list price indicated in paragraph 4. Order only from your Distributor. The standard parts discount applies.

Sincerely, JOHNSON MOTORS R. Compton, Administrative Assistant

RC:eb NOTE: Post on your V4-75 H.P. index.