Hello, We have a 1969 85 hp Evinrude outboard. For the past six years, the electric shifter hasn't been working properly. It refuses to shift from forward back to neutral 90% of the time. It will go from forward to reverse (yes, I know I shouldn't do that) every time. It will go from reverse to neutral every time, so this proves that all three switches in the control panel are working properly. The problem seems to be in the motor. But get this: it only does it when the boat is in the water. I can run the motor in the driveway for hours, and it will shift properly *every time*, and then it will immediately screw up again as soon as I put it in the water. It seems like the higher water pressure from being in the lake has some effect on it. I have taken it to two mechanics, and they both claim to have fixed it. Neither one did, and I have been thorougly ripped off twice. Have any of you encountered this problem before? Can you tell me how to fix it, or at least what to tell the next mechanic I go to? Thanks guys.
By the way, I have some idea of how the shift solenoids in this motor work. I'm told that there are two of them. When it's in neutral, one solenoid is active; when it's in reverse, both solenoids are active; and when it's in forward, none are active. I haven't pulled the lower unit off yet; although I am a mechanical engineer, I've never done it before and I have to build up my nerve before I start yanking parts off the motor. I was just wondering what to expect as far as pulling off the lower unit, and what to look for as far as solenoids. My best guess is that the "neutral solenoid" must be bad, but I still don't understand why it would work out of the water but not in the water. Maybe because it has to work harder to unload the prop when it's under a load? I dunno. Thanks in advance.
Yes there are only 2 solenoids. For more information see chat room discussions dated June22, 2001 on OMC electric shift. My problem is a little different. I have a 55 Evinrude I broke the rod that holds the plunger and solenoids. I will not go into how I did this (stupidity), but I will tell you parts are rare and if the springs are weak you will probably have to find the whole assembly. Found one used - $200. the lench of the assembly is very critical to the performance. If you have a location for parts, let me know. Good luck and take care if you remove and then re-install the assembly.
this is just a guess but one of the two wires that run down the lower unit into the solenoids may be rubbed through and when the water fills the lower unit it could be causing a short. good luck
Sticky Electric Shifter in '69 Evinrude 85hp
We have a 1969 85 hp Evinrude outboard. For the past six years, the electric shifter hasn't been working properly. It refuses to shift from forward back to neutral 90% of the time. It will go from forward to reverse (yes, I know I shouldn't do that) every time. It will go from reverse to neutral every time, so this proves that all three switches in the control panel are working properly. The problem seems to be in the motor. But get this: it only does it when the boat is in the water. I can run the motor in the driveway for hours, and it will shift properly *every time*, and then it will immediately screw up again as soon as I put it in the water. It seems like the higher water pressure from being in the lake has some effect on it. 
Linear Mode
