1971 Rude 125 W/ele shift

[Mucka29]

Hey,<br /> do they make a converion kit for there motors, i forgot to get the model # and the serial #, but in gerneral can u put a cable shift on this motor?

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: 1971 Rude 125 W/ele shift

Mucka 29 <br /><br />Only if you get a different lower unit that's designed for mechanical shifting.

 

[Mucka29]

Re: 1971 Rude 125 W/ele shift

So if i find a lowerunit that will fit that motor i will have cable shift?

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: 1971 Rude 125 W/ele shift

Bingo!

 

[Mucka29]

Re: 1971 Rude 125 W/ele shift

if i get teh model # can you guys tell me what year's and size lowerunit's will work?

 

[ledgefinder]

Re: 1971 Rude 125 W/ele shift

I don't THINK it's that simple. I think the vertical tube that everything pivots around is solid on that motor. That tube is hollow on the mechanical shift motors (and needs to be) because the shift rod passes through it. <br /><br />The hydroelectric shifts run fine, and I'd stick with them. The ones that'll fit your motor are 1969-72 85/100/115/125hp. If you want to swap to cable shift, you'll need the midsection & lower unit, plus some linkage pieces, from a 1973-77 85/115/135hp - except that the 1977 135hp wont' work.

 

[BillP]

Re: 1971 Rude 125 W/ele shift

I had a new 1969 115 with the electric shift and it was a constant problem. I think it was the first year for their "computer" technology. The issue really wasn't at the lower unit but in the computer or whatever they called it back then. It caused the motor to shift by itself and do all types of crazy stuff. It looked like a terminal box to me and we jumped wires many times (maybe dozens)here to get the motor to run or shift gears. <br /><br />According to OMC the "electronics" were new and developing so they were very generous in working on it both in and out of warranty. They replaced the full electrical system including harness and then a year later the powerhead. So the problem may not be in your lower unit.<br /><br />Also, prior to that motor I had a 75hp 1965 electric shift Johnson that the stainless steel shift wires frayed at the connections and made a problem. These were where the lower unit wires connected to the upper wires with blade type connectors. I spliced them (not exactly easy on ss wire) and the problem went away.