55hp johsnon hydro elec stuck in reverse

[berjolic]

my engine is stuck in reverse.people say there all solenoids thats might be friend in gear case,is that true?

 

[F_R]

Re: 55hp johsnon hydro elec stuck in reverse

my engine is stuck in reverse.people say there all solenoids thats might be friend in gear case,is that true?

Are you sure it is reverse and not forward? Is the motor running?

It is always in forward when not running. (At least it is supposed to be).

Way far too much attention is being focused on the solenoids by people that don't know how it works.

If it truly is stuck in reverse when running, there are a few things that could cause it:

One would be a bad shift switch in the remote control. This is especially true if it is a Johnson. The Johnson switches sometimes stick in either forward or reverse.

Or some sort of wiring error feeding voltage to both shift wires going to the lower unit.

If it is not an electrical problem, it is debris in the piston in the oil pump in the lower unit. A spring pushes the piston away from reverse and toward neutral and forward positions when electrical power is removed. If grit and debris has the piston jammed, the spring can't move it. This is a major gearcase repair job requiring total teardown and special tools.

And finally, yes it is possible that the solenoids are causing it. In that case, it is because somebody has been messing with them, OR the lower unit is full of water and has rusted the solenoid plungers in place. If the solenoids are rusted, there are many other expensive goodies in there that are rusted too.

Unfortunatly, most of the causes will drain your wallet with lightning speed.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: 55hp johsnon hydro elec stuck in reverse

Hydro Electric Shift)
(J. Reeves)

The shifting setup of the lower unit is what's called a "Hydro Electric Shift", which is quite complex consisting of voltage being applied to solenoids in the lower unit which in turn change oil passages via a oil pump that supplies various pressure on a spring loaded shifter dog. The wires leading to the lower unit (at the powerhead) are "Green" and "Blue". The engine must be running or cranking over in order to shift out of forward gear.

You CAN NOT use HI VIS lube in that lower unit. You MUST USE what OMC calls "Premium Blend" lube, commonly called "Type C". (A thinner lube)

In neutral, you need 12v to the "Green" wire.
In reverse, you need 12v to both wires, the "Green" one and the "Blue" one.
In forward, there should be no voltage to either wire. (The spring loaded shifter dog forces the unit into forward gear)

To check the lower unit for proper shifting to make sure you have no trouble there, remove the spark plugs to avoid problems and to allow a higher cranking speed.

This next step eliminates the actual shift switch in case problems may exist there.... Disconnect the blue & green wires at the knife connectors (the rubber insulated boots) leading to the lower unit at the powerhead, then using jumpers, take voltage direct from the starter solenoid to apply voltage to the "Green" wire for neutral, then both wires 'Green" & "Blue" for reverse (Remember the engine must be cranking over in order to shift).
With no voltage applied, the unit should be in forward. No need for a ground jumper... the lower unit's already grounded. You may crank the engine with the key switch or by energizing the starter solenoid with a jumper wire.