Shifter gets stuck in forward and won't go back into neutral

[andrewbabich]

Hi all.

Shifter gets stuck in forward and won't go back into neutral yesterday. I had to take the shifter apart while on the water, and got it back into neutral so I could start the motor to get home. Once I put it in forward almost to WOT I heard a click and again it would not go back into neutral.

Its a 1972 50 HP johnson.

Anybody familiar with this type of problem.

Some type of mechanical reason it gets stuck when it goes back. It hits a dead stop right before it gets back to the neutral position and the its stuck at about about the 11 o'clock position.

I think its something in the shifter, but I've never replaced the shift cable. The shifter always moved freely so its not like the shift cable was rusted and broken.

Also the shifter still works good in the forward range of shifting, just wont go back into neutral.

Thanks
Drew
610-513-1826

 

[F_R]

Re: Shifter gets stuck in forward and won't go back into neutral

Make sure the throttle cable isn't grossly out of adjustment back at the motor (disconnect it and see if the control works then).

But I fear that the shift switch in the control is hanging up. Pray that it isn't, because it will break and replacements are extremely expensive---if you can even find one.

 

[katieh77]

Re: Shifter gets stuck in forward and won't go back into neutral

Make sure the throttle cable isn't grossly out of adjustment back at the motor (disconnect it and see if the control works then).

But I fear that the shift switch in the control is hanging up. Pray that it isn't, because it will break and replacements are extremely expensive---if you can even find one.

I HAVE A 65HP 1972 JOHNSON STUCK IN FWD AND WILL NOT START WHILE IN GEAR. HAS ELECTRONIC SHIFT. IS THERE A MANUAL WAY TO GET IT IN NEUTRAL. ALSO TRYING TO FIGURE OUT HOW TO USE THESE FORUM THINGS AS AM COMPUTER ILLITERATE PLEASE HELP:redface:

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Shifter gets stuck in forward and won't go back into neutral

you both have hydro electric shift. other than opening the control no way to manually shift. the lower unit shift by the electric solenoids.

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.

279458 is still available. It is for a 1972 and has two extra (white) wires for start-in-neutral protection. Just ignore the white wires, or connect them in series with the current white wire and have the start-in-neutral feature.
Look at the 1972 parts list:
http://shop2.evinrude.com/ext/index....9aa8bdd7efb79a


katieh77, you did pretty good for the first time, just loose the all capitals, it is considered YELLING.