Shifty Shifting 1975 Johnson 15HP

[puttputt]

1975 Johnson 15HP outboard has been sitting for 19 years.
Now has had tune up, new water pump, etc. etc. and runs good.

Thought it was ready to go fishing but noticed shifting into Forward or Reverse was inconsistent (sometimes wouldn't shift, sometimes didn't quite lock into position). This is in driveway with motor not running with handle in "Shift" position. I kept fiddling (not forcing) to see why sometimes it shifts fine, sometimes not...

Finally figured out that when it was not shifting properly, I could turn the prop a little and it would then shift normal.

Question: Is this indicative of a problem, or is this just happening because I'm doing so with motor not running?

Thanks.

[outdoorsman69]

yea its normal. without the motor running and you shift it the clutch dosent let the gears mesh. so when you turn the prop they lock in gear.

DCG

[puttputt]

thanks od69.
That is what I was hoping for!
I appreciate the help.