5- wire switch

[Richard N.]

I have a '72 Johnson 65hp (Stinger II) with the hydro-elctric shift. Once again, the switch inside the shifter box has gone bad (sticking in forward). I did a search and found that some people have converted theirs to a dash mounted switch. Is this possible with a 5-wire switch (I've been told that some have 3-wire switches and some have 5-wire)? I have the original owner's manual for the motor, but it's not very detailed when it comes to the shifter box. If I can rewire it to a manual switch I could save myself another $100 bill, but don't want to do anything that would potentially cause other problems. Any input would be much appreciated.

 

[Dhadley]

Re: 5- wire switch

The extra two wires are for "Start-in-gear Protection" wired to your solenoid so it will only start in neutral. That will remain the same. <br /><br />I used a light switch once in a race boat. All the way in was forward (off) - One position out was neutral (neutral wire hot) - and all the way out was reverse (12 volts to both wires).<br /><br />Kinda crude but it saved a lot of room.<br /><br />God luck!

 

[Richard N.]

Re: 5- wire switch

Thanks for the quick response. Are you saying that, if I do it right, I will still have the "start in gear protection"?

 

[Dhadley]

Re: 5- wire switch

Absolutely! Dont ignore it! Its not worth the price of injuring someone. <br /><br />Good luck!

 

[Dhadley]

Re: 5- wire switch

Oh - almost forgot - the downside of the switch is that there is nothing stopping you from dropping it into gear at a high rpm and exploding the clutch dog. Or slamming it into reverse at speed.<br /><br />Please be careful!!