1969 Evinrude Selectric Fwd/N/Rev Switch

[1968pontiacgto]

I just purchased a 1969 Evinrude Selectric 115hp motor. Someone removed the forward, neutral, reverse switch. There is a blue, purple, and green wire in the control unit and on the bottom of the switch reads N,R, and +. Can anyone tell me what wire goes where?

Thanks,
Damian

 

[Joe Reeves]

Re: 1969 Evinrude Selectric Fwd/N/Rev Switch

First of all, the 1969 115hp Evinrude is not a selectric shift model, it is a Hydro Electric shift model which is a completely different animal.

You CANNOT use a Slectric shift switch on a Hydro shift engine. To find out what switch you have, test with a ohm meter as follows.

Red meter lead connected to (+) terminal of shift switch. Black lead of meter, connect it to the (N) terminal and have switch in neutral mode, then connect the Black lead to the (R) terminal and have the switch in the reverse mode. If you obtain a reading on both those connections, you have a Selectric shift switch, in which case DO NOT attempt to use it on that 1969 115hp engine.

 

[1968pontiacgto]

Re: 1969 Evinrude Selectric Fwd/N/Rev Switch

When I run an ohm test with the red on the + of the switch and it in neutral i only get a reading from the N lug. When i switch the switch to reverse i get a reading on both the R and the N This setup was working in the past the way it was, i would hope its right?

 

[1968pontiacgto]

Re: 1969 Evinrude Selectric Fwd/N/Rev Switch

Ok I just figured it out, Purple wire goes to +, Blue wire goes to R, and Green wire goes to N. It works just fine that way. Now I am just confused as the control unit says selectric right on it? And your saying its hydo electric?

 

[Joe Reeves]

Re: 1969 Evinrude Selectric Fwd/N/Rev Switch

What is the model number of that engine?

The wiring of the switch as you've described it above is correct for a Hydro Electric Shift (thru hub exhaust) engine.

If the "selectric" printing, engraving, whatever, is simply a plastic cover on the control box or something of that nature...... that would be the cause for confusion but really of no consequence.

 

[1968pontiacgto]

Re: 1969 Evinrude Selectric Fwd/N/Rev Switch

Its model # 115983e, and serial # e04998 when I looked it up, I remember reading that its a Staflite? And your right the alum. cover plate on the controller says Evinrude Seletric, thats the only reason I was thinking it was? So is that wrong and its not selectric?

Thanks,
Damian

 

[Joe Reeves]

Re: 1969 Evinrude Selectric Fwd/N/Rev Switch

Yes, model number 115983 is indeed a 1969 115hp Evinrude.

The selectric thing...... Always refer to the shift system as Hydro Electric in order to avoid confusion, conflicts, etc.

Evinrude did make a straight electric shift engine back in earlier days (1962 thru somewhere around 1967), and the control box was just about identical to what you have EXCEPTING the shift switch...... so you may have one of the earlier boxes. I don't recall if the Hydro Shift c/boxes continued to carry that "selectric" name or not but I doubt they did.

 

[1968pontiacgto]

Re: 1969 Evinrude Selectric Fwd/N/Rev Switch

So its a Hydro-Electric then! Ok writing that down! Whats that consist of? Does it still have the solenoids to do the gear shifting i assume?

 

[jay_merrill]

Re: 1969 Evinrude Selectric Fwd/N/Rev Switch

Yes, model number 115983 is indeed a 1969 115hp Evinrude.

The selectric thing...... Always refer to the shift system as Hydro Electric in order to avoid confusion, conflicts, etc.

Evinrude did make a straight electric shift engine back in earlier days (1962 thru somewhere around 1967), and the control box was just about identical to what you have EXCEPTING the shift switch...... so you may have one of the earlier boxes. I don't recall if the Hydro Shift c/boxes continued to carry that "selectric" name or not but I doubt they did.

Strangely enough, the 1969 push button shift for the 115hp motor, which is a hydro-eletric unit, does say "Selectric" on it.

That is unfortunate, because it can cause a great deal of confusion. As pointed out, you also can't use a Selectric controller from a fully electric shift motor on a hydro-electric motor.

 

[Joe Reeves]

Re: 1969 Evinrude Selectric Fwd/N/Rev Switch

(Hydro Electric Shift System Explained)
(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)

Note: The engine must be running OR have the driveshaft turning by some other means in order for the engine to shift.

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.