175 OMC won't shift out of forward

[pozenbaugh]

I have a 1976, 175 OMC w/ a 302 engine.<br />It won't shift out of forward when I put it in neutral, I have to shut the engine off to get it to shift into neutral. I have heard somethings about a cut-off switch. Does anyone know where it is at or if i can by-pass it with a momentary switch on the dash?<br />Thanks

 

[Rainmaker]

Re: 175 OMC won't shift out of forward

This should be an electric shift drive. If so, there's a switch in the control that energizes the clutches in the lower unit. Sounds like this switch needs adjustment or is shot.<br /><br />Hopefully the switch is still good because they're expensive.

 

[KaGee]

Re: 175 OMC won't shift out of forward

Ya, was gonna say the samething. You'll need a voltmeter and your wiring diagram. Still could be someting bad in the lower, but I would not determine that until the shift switches and wiring all check out.

 

[pozenbaugh]

Re: 175 OMC won't shift out of forward

I bought a seloc manual for the omc stern drive, will it have the wiring diagram in it?<br /><br />Thanks for your advice

 

[tommays]

Re: 175 OMC won't shift out of forward

it should if you have the right one<br /><br />your problem is different most people have trouble KEEPING and electric in gear and not slipping<br /><br />most likely when you going to netural the control is still allowing 12 volts to the shiftcoil<br /><br />tommays

 

[pozenbaugh]

Re: 175 OMC won't shift out of forward

does anyone know where the switch is located?

 

[Bondo]

Re: 175 OMC won't shift out of forward

I Don't do OMCs,......... But,... I'd Start looking in the Controller Box.................

 

[pozenbaugh]

Re: 175 OMC won't shift out of forward

Switch tests good. With the motor running I applied 12 volts to the forward wire (worked fine, but it was already in forward). Took the 12 volts off of the forward clutch wire and it didn't go to neutral. Put 12 volts on the reverse clutch wire and there was a loud clunk and the motor stalled. I took the 12 volts off the reverse wire, since the motor was not running and I was able to turn the prop shaft with the help of a screw driver. Then it went into neutral. I drained the lower unit oil and found a few small metal shavings and only about 1 to 1 1/4 quarts of oil in it.<br /><br />I put new type-c oil in it. I'm going to test it at the lake today. <br /><br />Does anybody have any ideas why it is not coming out of forward?

 

[pozenbaugh]

Re: 175 OMC won't shift out of forward

anybody have any ideas

 

[Rainmaker]

Re: 175 OMC won't shift out of forward

Sounds like the coil springs down in the lower unit that pull the gears apart when the clutches are de-energized. An expensive repair.<br /><br />Good luck.

 

[pozenbaugh]

Re: 175 OMC won't shift out of forward

thanks for the info rainmaker, what does changing those require?

 

[ddaigle]

Re: 175 OMC won't shift out of forward

Poz, Your lower unit is what they call a hydroelectric. They used them on outboards until 1972. Do a search on john/evin. outboard forum, Joe Reeves has very good explanation of functioning and troubleshooting this system. I have one and they automaticly go into fwd. when there is a problem so you can get home. Works on a hydraulic pump not springs. Fwd. is no power to either wire that is why it defaults to fwd. Nuetral is power to one wire,(dont remember which color) reverse is power to both. Sounds like you may have something broke with the metal shavings.

 

[Rainmaker]

Re: 175 OMC won't shift out of forward

If you have the drive I think you have, it is different from the outboard lowers ddaigle describes. The hydraulic deactivation has been replaced with the springs I mentioned.<br /><br />It's pretty much a complete disassembly of the lower unit. The springs, clutches, gears are all on the output (prop) shaft. You'll need to pull the whole assembly out the front, behind the prop. To pull this assembly, you have to pull the input shaft - so it's a complete disassemble.<br /><br />You may want to check ebay for a complete lower and take your chances. These drives ain't the finest pieces of engineering in the world but the lower units will hold up if maintained. Maybe you can get a well maintained one thru ebay.<br /><br />Best of luck and have a nice weekend.

 

[pozenbaugh]

Re: 175 OMC won't shift out of forward

Well, i broke down and tore the lower unit apart. I found that the forward spring was sprung, therefore it was always tight on the forward gear hub. I found a guy on ebay that has thousands of OMC parts. I was able to buy a whole forward gear assy from him for $135.00.<br />It is all back together now and it runs good.<br />Thanks for your help.