Evinrude Selectric Shift Issues

[Jcfarms10]

I purchased a 1960 Crestliner with a 1962 Evinrude outboard with selectric shifting. I have no reverse gear. Any suggestions on fixing or just buy a replacement switch off Ebay? Anyone in Kansas City area with knowledge of these?

 

[racerone]

Have you done any testing ?------Try applying 12 volts to the blue wire at the motor to see if it will shift.

 

[F_R]

Be very careful when applying voltages to the motor. Yes, it is the correct way to troubleshoot, but as I said, be careful. If you apply voltage to both the green and blue at the same time, it can cause $$$$ damage. Just so you know.

 

[Jcfarms10]

What is the best way to apply voltage without having an accident? I am new to these older boats.

 

[racerone]

You will likely have to do the work yourself as few shops will assist you.-----------Motor does not need to run for this following test.-----Find the blue and green wires that go to the lower unit, they are at the back of the block.-----Then slide the rubber boot off the green wire ( forward ) and seperate that knife switch.----Use a single piece of wire and go from positive on the battery to the green wire that goes to the gearcase.----Prop should turn one way with slight drag.----Turn the other way and it should lock up.----Now repeat this test with the blue wire.---Post results.

 

[Jcfarms10]

I have not done any testing on the motor to see if the unit works just yet but I did take a voltage meter and see if any power is going across the green cable and nothing. I started at the throttle and tested there. Power across the forward wire - blue nothing on green. I checked at the next connection in line and same. I went to the electric junction box and there is power on the blue cable in there and none on the green. I just am unsure how the setup works in this box. there is the starter solenoid in there and a mess of wires.. I can not see where the green cable goes to connect it to power.

 

[racerone]

As per post # 5 you need to find the green wire for the shift.-----It is found at the back of the motor.

 

[F_R]

Everybody hold on there, we are getting confused. Green is Forward. Blue is Reverse.

Per your testing so far, showing no voltage on the green wire in the junction box, that is pretty good evidence that the switch is bad. But not absolute evidence. The wire could be broken somewhere along the line. Or it could be shorted to ground in the motor, but that ought to blow a fuse if it is. One more time, no voltage on green would mean no forward gear. Original problem said no reverse.

Just saying, try the 12V to both blue and green (SEPARATELY) at the motor to verify that it is OK, then proceed with the switch theory.

BTW, what horsepower is this motor anyway? It matters when trying to find the wires at the motor.