1972 johnson 85hp

I have a 1972 Johnson 85HP with hydro electric shift.I took boat in cause it would not start, shop replaced amplifier and coil and removed spring under flywheel.Got motor running and found to always be in forward.Replaced hydro electric shift switch and nuetral shift solenoid.Boat work great for one outing and blew nuetral shift solenoid again, Bad part maybe, replaced nuetral shift solenoid again with same results.What is going on that keeps taking out my nuetral shift solenoid please help?

Thanks
Cory

Re: 1972 johnson 85hp

There's nothing that would blow those solenoids - they typically go from old age/corrosion. The most they can be subjected to is the normal 12 volts. Hope the shop didn't charge you for the second one - sounds like the first solenoid was defective (aka, maybe installed wrong).

Have they mentioned anything about the wiring harness, down to the solenoids. Generally REALLY fragile on a motor that old. Also possible that the hydraulics are getting worn out - though in my experience, that's a much less common failure method.

Re: 1972 johnson 85hp

They inspected wiring and ohm tested. The original went out before I took it in. They put in a new one then, that one went out and they warrantied it, and then that one went out after a small fight I got them to warranty that one too but I have not ran the motor since. So I have gone through 3 of them so far. Always the same situation, I get the new one put in and take it out on the lake spend anywhere from 9 to 12 hours on lake using motor alot with no problems, the next time I take it out I put it in the lake and while it is warming up at the dock the solenoid goes out again. I was thinking of replacing the voltage rectifier but not sure if that would help. I tested the blocking diode between key switch and hydro electric switch and found ok it only allows current flow in one direction. I have heard others talk about putting in a toggle switch for shifting would that help? I am running out of ideas something is casuing this to happen but everything tests good what do I do or try next?

Re: 1972 johnson 85hp

Did I stump everybody? I'm still looking for someone that could give me more info on this problem.

Thanks

Re: 1972 johnson 85hp

Try this check, be VERY CAREFUL, prop will turn, better yet take the prop off, but still be careful.
Disconnect shift wires where they go down to the lower unit, with the key on, check voltage on on the wires, (blue and green) can remember which is neutal and which is reverse, in both gears by shifting the gear selector, should be battery voltage. Start the engine and run at fast idle, lower unit will be in gear, and see what your voltage readings are on both wires. It should be higher than battery voltage but not over aprox 15 volts.

Re: 1972 johnson 85hp

Cory,

I rewired my remote control [marine heat shrink on every connection] and put in re manufactured lower unit. Now it works ok. My lower unit was damaged though.
JQ

P.S. Job sounds worse than what it is.

corytires said:

I have a 1972 Johnson 85HP with hydro electric shift.I took boat in cause it would not start, shop replaced amplifier and coil and removed spring under flywheel.Got motor running and found to always be in forward.Replaced hydro electric shift switch and nuetral shift solenoid.Boat work great for one outing and blew nuetral shift solenoid again, Bad part maybe, replaced nuetral shift solenoid again with same results.What is going on that keeps taking out my nuetral shift solenoid please help?

Thanks
Cory

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