Re: Evinrude 50hp model 50172 shift diode
Chicken_Joe... I'll jump in here for a second to explain that shift diode that you're speaking of. Actually it has nothing to do with the powerpack as far as having any adverse effect upon it should the diode fail.<br /><br />It's purpose is:<br /><br />The lower unit has a spring loaded shifter clutch dog. With no voltage supplied, the unit is in forward gear.<br /><br />With the key in the on position and the shift switch in neutral, voltage is applied to the lower unit solenoid (green wire) to neutralize the shift.<br /><br />With the engine running and then turning the key to the off position, the charging system comes into effect, supplying voltage to the shift diode which in turn supplys the needed voltage to the lower unit solenoid to keep it neutralized until the engine stops (no rpm).<br /><br />If that diode wasn't there, or if it was faulty, the lower unit would slam into forward gear the instant the key was turned to the off position, momentarily jerking the boat forward (not a good thing to happen). Bottom line... If your pack fails, it's not the diodes fault.
Thanks 