1971 Evinrude 60HP Lower Unit

zrlh42

Recruit
Joined
Aug 6, 2007
Messages
2
Could anyone give me a brief explanation of how the two wires to the lower power unit work to put the trans in Forward, Neutral, and Reverse. We recently dropped the lower unit to replace the water pump. Prior, nothing was wrong the shifting. Now it is stuck in Forward. We had to take the two knife splice wires loose to drop the lower unit. We think we put them back exactly like before, but something changed. I appreciate any insight?
 

F_R

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Jul 7, 2006
Messages
28,226
Re: 1971 Evinrude 60HP Lower Unit

Are you running the motor? It won't shift unless it is running, or at least cranking. It will always be in forward gear if not running.

Why? Because it is shifted by hydraulic pressure supplied by an oil pump in the lower unit. If it is not running (rotating) it does not pump oil, therefor no shift. Default to forward gear was a safety feature. If it quits working it automatically goes into forward to get you home.
 

zrlh42

Recruit
Joined
Aug 6, 2007
Messages
2
Re: 1971 Evinrude 60HP Lower Unit

Thanks,
I now have a better understanding of what we should see.
I will check the green wire for 5-6 ohms.
Then check it for 12V.
I appreciate the insight
 
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