1970 push button shift no reverse

sawmillman

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May 3, 2008
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14
This is the fist run on the lake today to see problems.Well I found a big one I have no reverse it is a 1970 evinrude push button shift 60hp.Kinda makes it hard to load on the trailer.Btw it does have forward and neutral just no reverse.It does act like it wants to go in prop does move in reverse just no clunk into reverse,also what kind of fluid do I use to fill the lower unit?
 

Nippissinger

Petty Officer 3rd Class
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Mar 2, 2009
Messages
94
Re: 1970 push button shift no reverse

If you plan on enjoying this vintage engine, you may want to look into purchasing an OEM service manual. It has all the specs and procedures for servicing and maintaining your engine.

I enjoy tinkering and have purchased a service manual for EVERY combustion engine I have ever owned. Caddy's(3 models), pickups(2 makes, 3 models)
motorcycles(2 makes, 5 models), outboards(1 make, 3 models)

Service manuals are a MUST HAVE ifou want to do any work on your vehicle/engine...

You won't regret it..Will pay for itself on your FIRST fix...

The gear oil can be solved bny going to a dealer and checking out what theyhave and reading the label. It will tell you the year of engine..High Viscos for your make..


Will
 

tashasdaddy

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Re: 1970 push button shift no reverse

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.
 

sawmillman

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Re: 1970 push button shift no reverse

OK, I have performed the tests now I have some reverse it's there but weak makes a clicking noise when in reverse.I did change the fluid in the lower unit it was a milky mess:eek:.Is there anything else I can check or look at to get full reverse?:confused:
 

tashasdaddy

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Re: 1970 push button shift no reverse

sent message for guru to look at this.
 

freddyray21

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Re: 1970 push button shift no reverse

a milky mess in the lower unit is not a good sign on those units. If I had to guess I would say the reverse solenoid is weak and not letting the valve close or open like it is supposed to do. You did refill with Type C oil didn't you? If not it won't work write. Hopefully just the passageways are dirty, but you need to reseal the lower unit before running it again or you will not have neutral for long either.
 

F_R

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Re: 1970 push button shift no reverse

So, what were the result of the tests? And did you try the jumper wire from the battery trick? Always assume it is an electrical problem before digging into the lower unit. (Other than an oil check/change).

The clutch dog is held into engagement with the reverse gear by hydraulic pressure. The electric part only operates a couple of oil flow control valves to make it happen. The dog, if severely worn out can force it out of reverse, and cause a clicking or grinding noise, but my experience has been that other shifting problems happen long before it gets that bad.
 

Joe Reeves

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Re: 1970 push button shift no reverse

That lower unit must contain what is called "Premium Blend" gearcase lube, also known as "Type C". If you have any other type gearlube in there, drain it out and refill it properly with what I've stated here and in my stated information entered above by Tashasdaddy.

For reverse to be accuated, both wires leading to the lower unit must have 12volts applied to them at the same time. To bypass the shift switch (as a test), simply run a jumper wire from the battery to those two wires.

Let us know what you find, and let us know if you did indeed fill that unit with the proper lubricant.
 

sawmillman

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Re: 1970 push button shift no reverse

I just got in from work I'm goning to get on with the testing tonight thanks for the info_Opps almost forgot that it does have type c fuild in the case.The only time that it makes the clicking noise is when I stop the prop in reverse but when in reverse it does spin that direction.
 

sawmillman

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Re: 1970 push button shift no reverse

I got a stuipd question if I ohm's the green and blue wire what should it be?I did try 12v direct to the wires but does the motor have to be cranking for the motor to shift?
 

Joe Reeves

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Re: 1970 push button shift no reverse

Yes, the engine must be running during that jumper wire test in order to have the shifting operational. The reason is that the driveshaft turns the forward gear which incorporates lobes that turn a oil pump. The oil pump creates pressure that forces the shift plunger to the neutral and reverse position.
 

sawmillman

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Re: 1970 push button shift no reverse

ahhh thats why I herd no noise from the solenoids when I put power to them if I jump 12v across the starter selnoid will that engage the solenoid in and out?trying to figure out if I can test with out running engine.Thanks for any help.GREAT info so far I'm learning a lot quick about this engine,I called a outboard place the other day to ask afew ? and the guy told me the engine is older than most of the guys working for him LOL.
 

Joe Reeves

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Re: 1970 push button shift no reverse

Engage starter solenoid by using a jumper wire from the battery cable post of the solenoid to the 3/8" nut terminal on the solenoid that engages it.
 

sawmillman

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Re: 1970 push button shift no reverse

so far I have found out that the switches are Good the voltage test.It acts like it's no fully engaging into reverse,the prop spine into reverse but you can stop it.Can the solenoids not fully engage or stick ?Also I have not really run the motor after the lower unit oil change could it need to be run to get the ports cleaned out?
 

Joe Reeves

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Re: 1970 push button shift no reverse

Connect a flushette to the engine, have the hose/water turned on full blast, run engine to check shifting. You may get lucky.
 

sawmillman

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Re: 1970 push button shift no reverse

I have done some more testing and have found I have forward,neutral.and reverse But it kinda grinds when going into reverse.When goning into froward its kinda a clunk but reverse it clicks a lot before engaging and you can stop the prop with your foot and clicks the hole time but it does have reverse,could a partial blocked oil port cause this?or a selnoid not opening all the way should I keep running it to see if it gets any better or tear into the lower unit (I would rather not do that if at all possible) any suggestions?
 

sawmillman

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Re: 1970 push button shift no reverse

Well I found another problem to add the castle nut holding the prop on is loose but it has the pin through it so it does not fall off so if the nut is loose will it affect the way it holds in gear?
 

sawmillman

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Re: 1970 push button shift no reverse HELP

Re: 1970 push button shift no reverse HELP

Anybody have any suggestions on what the problem could be any help would be appreciated.
 

sawmillman

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May 3, 2008
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Re: 1970 push button shift no reverse

Thanks for all the help got it going and someone bought it from me before I could enjoy it.now I'm the proud owner of a bayliner 1950 bigger boat to spend more money on
 
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