Re: 1971 50172s 50 HP Evinrude Diode
Due to the "fail-safe" design of the Hydro-Electric shift, it will go into forward gear if it loses electric power. Trouble is, it thinks it loses power when you turn the key off, and instantly goes into gear before the engine coasts to a stop. That makes a harmless, but annoying clunk every time you turn the key off. So......the diodes are added to feed the shift circuit from the still rotating alternator during that moment after you turn the key off. It has absolutely nothing to do with the ignition system or spark, so look elsewhere.
