1972 gearcase problems shifting and assy.

[Joshua Nichols]

when changing out the waterpump on my 72 65 hp johnson we pulled out the shift solinoids not knowing what they were.model #65esl72s. After all the mess we only had N and F no R. So again I took the lower unit down drained oil and was looking around inside to see how this thing worked....At the end of one of the shift rods was a clip that i felt clipped into something..well fooling around i dropped it in the case and it is i there somewhere....needless to say I am trying to take this dude apart and have come to a point i feel like i need some kinda puller to get this one big case apart that had 4 bolts in it where the prop goes....I need to be given some pointers on getting this dude apart and back together with the reverse working again.....

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: 1972 gearcase problems shifting and assy.

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.

 

[Joshua Nichols]

Re: 1972 gearcase problems shifting and assy.

was using correct oil.......im in a mess needing to know how the shift solinoids connect to the clips in the gear case

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: 1972 gearcase problems shifting and assy.

you need an OEM manual, outboardbooks.com.

 

[Joshua Nichols]

Re: 1972 gearcase problems shifting and assy.

yeah i would say i do.....looking at a parts break down there is a spring on the shift solinoids rod that mine seemed to never have......anyhow just to let u guys know i got this thing a part and got the missing cap piece out.... put it back together and had reverse for the first test...went to foward and then didn't have reverse when i tried it again .....I am thinking my moter is missing this spring or that the wires are shorting out in the water?
this engine came with a manual....but guess wat its for a 73 not a 72 which seems to be the last year they made the electric shift junk

 

[Joshua Nichols]

Re: 1972 gearcase problems shifting and assy.

so i guess you need to get a manual is the only help I am going to get.....wow....thanks

 

[Joshua Nichols]

Re: 1972 gearcase problems shifting and assy.

This is a old post but going to update and tell what the verdict was... Turns out the plungers on the shift rods are adjustable.. Now its very close tolerance.
I had to take it off and put it back on adjusting everytime till I got it... First one I got reverse with no neutral.. I think it took two more times.. Yet after you had dropped the lower on it as many time as I have you get good at it...
Amyhow got it working...
A month later a fella asked me to put his lower back on his 70HP Johnson.. His son in law took it off for not shifting.. Turned out to be a adjustment.. Anyhow he paid me well and gave me a old lower he had in the barn.. It was just like mine with electric shift.. It was a cool find and a happy day..