'73 johnson electric shift reverse wont engage

p_horcajo

Recruit
Joined
Jan 14, 2002
Messages
3
:confused: Any help would be appreciated. Havent been a boat owner for long and i'm prety mechanical, I just dont know a darn thing about outboards. Thanks :D
 

Trent

Captain
Joined
Nov 17, 2001
Messages
3,333
Re: '73 johnson electric shift reverse wont engage

You need to check the electric solonoids in the lower unit. Sounds like the reverse one has failed. However you need to check the wiring to it to make sure it has power to it so that you can rule out the control switch.
 

Dhadley

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Feb 4, 2001
Messages
16,978
Re: '73 johnson electric shift reverse wont engage

What's the model number of your motor?<br /><br />Good luck!
 

p_horcajo

Recruit
Joined
Jan 14, 2002
Messages
3
Re: '73 johnson electric shift reverse wont engage

Dhadley,the model number is 65ESL-72S. I thought it was a 73. When I try to get reverse, it sounds as if it is trying to go in and at idle it will actually move backwards very very slowly. If I throttle up, all it does is rev up. Thanks.
 

ajp

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Jan 6, 2002
Messages
280
Re: '73 johnson electric shift reverse wont engage

Before I checked the lower unit, I would check the switch in the control box. They are suseptible to breakage and or not staying engaged. Could also be a short in the wire to the selinoid. Drop the lower unit as a last resort. Check the simple first.
 

ajp

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Jan 6, 2002
Messages
280
Re: '73 johnson electric shift reverse wont engage

By the way. In 73 they came out with the manual shift gear system. FYI
 
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