1972 65 hp Evinrude electric shift problem

[rdracer48]

I've acquired a 1972 65 hp Evinrude with elecric shift. Motor starts and runs great. I understand the default process with the solenoids but when I start this motor in Neutral position it starts in forward gear. When I shift to Reverse position it goes to neutral. When I changed gearcase oil it was dark and contaminated with water and made me question what oil the previous owner used. I refilled with "C" type oil and problem continued. I have checked voltage at knife blade connections to solenoids and voltage is correct with corresponding button pushed. I have checked Ohms to solenoids and both wires check within 6 to 7 ohm window. When I use a jumper wire I can hear the solenoids click in the gearcase. When I shift from Reverse back to Neutral on control box the prop will stay in neutral sometimes and then times momentarily then go back to forward gear. I changed oil again this afternoon and the "C" type oil I had put in looked to still be contaminated but not bad. I filled with Dextron III automatic transmission fliud to clean out real good but made no difference in shifting. I am fixing to tear down gearcase to replace seals and any input anyone could give me on the shift problem would greatly be appreciated.

 

[F_R]

Re: 1972 65 hp Evinrude electric shift problem

When you are checking the voltage at the knife blades, are you doing it with the knives still connected or disconnected? Do it with them CONNECTED and see what you get. If low voltage when still connected, bad shift switch. They are notorious for that.

 

[rdracer48]

Re: 1972 65 hp Evinrude electric shift problem

I checked voltage with knife blades connected and ohms disconnected.

 

[F_R]

Re: 1972 65 hp Evinrude electric shift problem

Ok, proceed to the solenoids. Make sure all th parts are in there---wave washer on top, clip on solenoid rod, plungers adjusted correctly, etc. If ok, then on to the oil pump and shifter piston assembly

 

[rdracer48]

Re: 1972 65 hp Evinrude electric shift problem


I pulled lower unit this afternoon and found that the shift rod had snapped off at the bottom end. My question is the exploded view of solenoid assy shows a casing which was not in my lower unit. It also appears that neither casing or shift rod is available. I'm a toolmaker by trade and have access to everything to fabricate a shift rod but my main concern is there suppose to be a casing and what material is it made out of?
Attached are a couple of pictures of what I have. Spring was attached to bottom solenoid and pic is looking down at broken thread inside of spring.

 

[jay_merrill]

Re: 1972 65 hp Evinrude electric shift problem

Sounds like you have parts missing. Might be time to go on a hunt for another gearcase.

 

[F_R]

Re: 1972 65 hp Evinrude electric shift problem

I guess you know your link does not work.

Anyhow, marinengine.com has the shift rod and casing and probably anything else you need. For some reason, I had to look at the '72 Johnson listing, but that shouldn't matter.

As I remember it, the casing is steel tubing. Actually, it functions as a shift rod for the second solenoid. The two shift rods hold down two levers, which close two ball seats, directing the oil flow. Interesting that yours are missing and broken. Wonder how that happened??

 

[rdracer48]

Re: 1972 65 hp Evinrude electric shift problem

I've reattached photos, hope it works.
It's odd that everything I've looked at in exploded views and even looking at shift solenoid for 72 evinrude on Ebay does not look like what I have.
In picture where shift rod snapped the spring is attached to bottom of lower solenoid and stretches the length of the shift rod. Input is greatly appreciated.