73 Evinrude 85hp shift question!

[MikeSlater]

Got a question regarding my 73 evinrude 85 hp outboard. I bought the boat used to find that it shifted fine into forward but would only click going into reverse. A new shift cable was included in the boat so I installed it and adjusted it to the condition its in now. I does go into reverse & forward no problem (with a little assistance) The way its adjusted neutral is pefect and it will barely click in to gear with the motor off (reverse and forward) It seems if the lever would move 1/4 inch into both gears that it would be fine! I guess it doesnt have enough travel in the controll to make it happen, all though once you are at about 1/2 throttle the lever is moved further. It is a morse controll circa early 70's with no adjustments that I can find other that the cable swivel. So im in a bind here as far as what to try, I would like a single lever dual control but I was thinking I could get a dual lever single control, use one for throttle and the other for shifting. I think they are adjustable as far as stops and such. That way I can have full travel control over shifting with no throttling up. Dont know just a idea. I did manage to fix the trim motor lowering problem with a good motor cleaning and fluid top off. I read in another post about the o-ring on manual release valve busting. I also busted mine and was unable to find a genuine part as they arent made anymore. But I did find a perfect replacement at home depot in the plumbing dept. Works PERFECTLY! I bought 5 of them (34 cents each!) I can get the exact size in daylight if needed. Thanks!

 

[G DANE]

Re: 73 Evinrude 85hp shift question!

Try to disassemble the shifting cable and shift by hand. Will the shift function good, also under load ?? If not, your lower unit shifting dog can be worn, or you may have had water in unit. If The shift is ok, the old morse does not fit this engine. I once drilled another hole in the lever on a morse, 1/2" longer from center, it gives longer travel when shifting. You say the shift travels longer when you increase trottle. This maybe indicates the control is worn.

 

[Rex]

Re: 73 Evinrude 85hp shift question!

WHEN THE ENGINE IS OFF THEY ARE HARD TO SHIFT<br />WHY WOULD YOU HAVE MORE TRAVEL WHEN GOING <br />DOWN THE LAKE? WHAT DOES YOUR R.P.M. SAY?<br />ARE YOUR BUTTERFLY OPEN?<br />THING TO CHECK AND LET US KNOW.<br />GOOD LUCK <br />REX A. H.

 

[MikeSlater]

Re: 73 Evinrude 85hp shift question!

Sadly my old whaler doesnt have a tach. It does shift fine by hand. I thought about drilling another hole farther from the center to gain some travel but dont have any room. The hole is drilled at the end already. Im starting to think that the engine doesnt match the control. I know the guy I got the boat from got the hull from his grandfather and added the engine, so the control probably doesnt match. Does a smaller hp johnson or evinrude have shorter shift lever travel? <br />I going to west marine today to see if they have any controls in stock. Do new morse controls have adjustable travel?<br /><br />Thanks<br /><br />Mike

 

[MikeSlater]

Re: 73 Evinrude 85hp shift question!

Well I couldnt find anyone who keeps controls in stock today. So I am planning on ordering a set monday. I am convinced the problem is in the controls and lack of travel. The only question now is which control to get. I am used to single lever dual function control but I think a dual lever single function would have a better chance of working. I have never operated a boat with seperate controls for throttle and shifting and am wondering if this is a good method. I have operated dual lever controls before but they have been dual function with dual outboards. Also I am wondering how much bigger the footprint is for a dual unit over a single lever unit. West marine did say I can order the single lever dual function and if it didnt work I can exchange it for dual lever control. Any suggestions?

 

[Hooty]

Re: 73 Evinrude 85hp shift question!

Hey Mike,<br />I think I'd take West Marine up on their offer. My bud just went through the same thing and ended up with a two-lever control. His problem was due to excessive ware in the l/u. Worked for him. Lettus know. Oh, and the foot-print, his two lever was smaller than the single lever control, but not much.<br /><br />c/6<br /><br />hooty

 

[Hooty]

Re: 73 Evinrude 85hp shift question!

One more thing, iz that engine an electric shift? Could make a difference.<br /><br />hooty

 

[MikeSlater]

Re: 73 Evinrude 85hp shift question!

Nope not electric shift, at least I dont think it is, it uses cables and shift levers, rods ect. <br />It very well could be play in the lower, It does however shift well and stays in gear by hand. Maybe just patching the problem but I'll live with it.<br />Did the dual unit mount in the same holes as the single? How does he like having seperate shift and throttle? Probably alot smoother.<br /><br />Thanks

 

[Hooty]

Re: 73 Evinrude 85hp shift question!

I doubt the hole patterns will match up but shouldn't be a problem. He likes the two lever control. Sez it's kinda funky lookin' but I think it looks real bidness-like.<br /><br />c/6<br /><br />hooty

 

[MikeSlater]

Re: 73 Evinrude 85hp shift question!

OK, final chapter in the Evinrude shift problem. <br /><br />Well I had decided to try a new control to see if it fixed the problem. So I ordered a Morse twin s3 control from West Marine. After 2 weeks of being jerked around with excuses (no truck this week, blaming fed ex 2 or 3 times ect) I gave up on them. (I will NEVER order ANYTHING from WEST MARINE again!) <br />So at the last hour I scrambled to find one local with no luck. I decided to go ahead and make the trip to Grand Isle with boat in tow anyway, hoping to find the part somewhere. <br />With alot of luck (which isnt normal with me) I found the control in a small town on the way. In fact they had 2 different brands "ON THE SHELF" One was a aftermarket brand and didnt seem to be constructed as well as the morse. So I went with the Morse twin single even though it was 160 bucks more( the aftermarket was 69 bucks)<br />We ended up having to cut the mounting hole larger to fit the twin, and drill 4 screw holes. BUT I am SUPER HAPPY to say that I now have FORWARD & REVERSE! It will take some getting used to with two levers but it WORKS! I can now buy my SS Steering wheel and maybe a bimini top!!<br /><br />Thanks A BUNCH to everybody who helped me! <br /><br />These forums are a wonderfull resource and a pleasure to read!<br /><br />BTW the store is called Renovations, its in galliano near Grand Isle if you ever need a part they have it! Awesome people! And D@mn fine sales women! (and they were knowledgeable to boot)