1978 Evinrude 55hp - control question

[antdog]

Hello all. I have read tashasdaddy's post on installing cables but I'm still a bit confused. I'm new to outboards.

Ok, I moved the shifter and identified the first cable to move as the throttle cable. But here's my query...

When going to connect to the motor the cable that I thought was the throttle cable is too short to connect. From the retainer to the actual connection is not long enough, even when I adjust the retainer screw all the way out. Now it looks as though the other cable will fit just fine. I thought at first (obviously) that I have the cables mixed up, and that IS possible, but I just want to make sure before I mess anything up.

Anyone have this motor? Or can simply shed some light on my problem?

Thanks,

 

[SparkieBoat]

Re: 1978 Evinrude 55hp - control question

I think the first cable to move is the shifter cable..thats how it is on mine. you can use your fast idle lever to make sure. but the shifter cable and the throttle the throttle cables have the same ends, they are the same cable and are interchangeable. can you take a pick with your phone and post it.

 

[antdog]

Re: 1978 Evinrude 55hp - control question

Sorry for the delay getting back on this. And my pics suck, but here goes....

I'm not sure if you can tell from the pics but one cable seems a bit longer than the other?

Disregard the labels I wrote on them, because it's probable that I marked them wrong.

 

[SparkieBoat]

Re: 1978 Evinrude 55hp - control question

if your cables are connected to the control, and it is in the neutral position, you have your cables marked wrong..the shifter cable will be approx half way out when in the neutral position. The shifter cable should be the first one to move when your move your throttle. If you try reversing your cables you should find they fit perfectly.

 

[antdog]

Re: 1978 Evinrude 55hp - control question

Thanks Sparkie! Yeah, after I mismarked them I confused myself.

Couple questions, if I may....

The shifter on the control box is all the way forward in the start position. This is neutral, correct? Or should it be in the middle (fast/idle)?

How do I ensure the motor itself is in neutral?

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: 1978 Evinrude 55hp - control question

if using single handle control box.

put the handle in neutral, in the middle, this is also idle. fast idle lever down. now set motor in neutral, and idle. adjust the trunion (black) nut on cable so that the cable goes on the motor with out distrubing the motor.

this is neutral on single lever box

 

[SparkieBoat]

Re: 1978 Evinrude 55hp - control question

I circled the shifter linkage. This linkage appears to be in neutral, it should move about 1 1/2 inches either way, you will feel a click when it goes into neutral. you may have to spin your prop slightly to get it to go into gear.

 

[antdog]

Re: 1978 Evinrude 55hp - control question

Ok, now I think I've got it!

Shouldn't the prop spin freely when the motor is in neutral?

Checking before I make the final connections.

 

[SparkieBoat]

Re: 1978 Evinrude 55hp - control question

yes prop should spin freely when in neutral. you may have to adjust to cable slightly one way or the other if gearcase does not go into reverse or forward properly, which ever one is not working adjust the cable slightly to cause more movement in that direction. carry some tools first trip out...really tells if it needs adjustment when there is a load on it...do not run it out of adjustment as this will damage your clutch dog and gear quickly. it should go into both gears smoothly with no slippage.