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1971 Evinrude 50hp stuck in forward

F

First timer

New member
First time boat owner.. not COMPLETELY dumb mechanical wise.

I have a 1971 Evinrude 50hp electric shift. When I bought the boat the factory shift buttons felt absolutely terrible and the engine was stuck in forward. So I tried to install rocker switches and it worked great, had neutral, reverse and forward... after about 30 seconds of shifting and playing it just went back to stuck in forward. Why would it all work then suddenly not.. I have not done any testing after that, I had to walk away just didn't know if there was a common problem there.
 
Is lower unit full with a type-C ( premium blend ) gear oil ?-----So motor was running and shifting properly and then stopped shifting while it was still running ?
 
racerone said:
Is lower unit full with a type-C ( premium blend ) gear oil ?-----So motor was running and shifting properly and then stopped shifting while it was still running ?
Click to expand...
That's what I will be addressing next. It's a new to me boat, so im just going to change the oil.
That is correct.. it was running and shifting... then just stopped reacting to the toggles and stayed in forward.
I checked today and the power is still getting to the wires inside by the engine bay.. so in my complete boat ignorant diagnosis... I'm down to oil in lower unit and/or solenoids.

What do you think?
 
Do an ohm test on the solenoid wires going down to the gearcase.----Lead on green and ground.-----And lead on blue to ground.---Report the numbers.----Report condition of oil that you drain.----Possibly the shift piston bore is jamming the piston.----Or oil pump is not working. ,
 
racerone said:
Do an ohm test on the solenoid wires going down to the gearcase.----Lead on green and ground.-----And lead on blue to ground.---Report the numbers.----Report condition of oil that you drain.----Possibly the shift piston bore is jamming the piston.----Or oil pump is not working. ,
Click to expand...
Ok, it maybe a day or two but I will let you know what I find. Both of those issue you speak of sound either very expensive or fatal lol
 
Some will argue.----In my opinion these electric shift units are very simple ,easy to trouble shoot and repair.----But you may have to find a gray haired old timer to help you , if you are unable to take this on.---Big shops do not work on these things.
 
racerone said:
Some will argue.----In my opinion these electric shift units are very simple ,easy to trouble shoot and repair.----But you may have to find a gray haired old timer to help you , if you are unable to take this on.---Big shops do not work on these things.
Click to expand...
I'm not to bad with a wrench and so far actually really enjoying the challenge. Mechanical stuff I have no fear, electrical side is not my strong point. I'm not afraid to tear her down if need be but I'm not ignorant enough to try it without SOME guidance. So I REALLY appreciate your help!!!!
 
Report the condition of the oil.----And the ohm values of the solenoids.----Note----The solenoids do not move the clutch dog.----Solenoids control oil pressure to the shift piston.---Possibly the valve mechanism is damaged.
 
Find where the wires go to the lower unit.----Slide back the rubber boots.----Separate the connecters.--Remove sparkplugs..----Apply 12 volts to the green wire.----Turn flywheel with socket and wrench.----If lower unit is in good condition it will shift to neutral after 1 or 2 turns of the flywheel.----Now connect both wires to 12 volts.---Unit should shift to reverse after 3 or 4 turns of the flywheel.
 
Ohm reading:
Neutral 5.3, Reverse 5.2
13.5 green wire boat side.. once connected, drops to 11.50. Acting like bad connection. Not fond of those "interlock" connections.

Lower unit oil:
More black then gray but plenty of gray and smells like straight 90w out of a truck rear end.
 
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