'79 Evinrude runs backwards??????

[throwback2332]

I got a '79 75 hp evinrude, when you shift to forward it goes backwards, and when you shift to reverse it goes forward. Any ideas on what could be the problem.

 

[samo_ott]

Re: '79 Evinrude runs backwards??????

Is it an electric shift lower unit? If so it sounds like you have your wires crossed. Was any work done there recently?

 

[Chinewalker]

Re: '79 Evinrude runs backwards??????

It isn't an electric shift unit... last year for them was 1972 on the 3-cylinders.

Has this motor had the lower unit replaced recently? If so, more than likely it was a unit from a 1977 or prior 65/70/75hp. From 1973 to 1977 they used a hydromechanical lower unit with a different shift pattern - opposite the 1978 & later units.

Two possible fixes. Either find a later style unit, or get the throttle and shift linkage, including the shift arm, from a 1977 & prior.

- Scott

 

[kenmyfam]

Re: '79 Evinrude runs backwards??????

Or get a rear view mirror !!! LOL

 

[throwback2332]

Re: '79 Evinrude runs backwards??????

Yes the lower unit was replaced before i got it.

 

[jtexas]

Re: '79 Evinrude runs backwards??????

left hand prop, or else left hand (counter rotating) lower unit with right hand prop

 

[Chinewalker]

Re: '79 Evinrude runs backwards??????

There's no such animal as a counter-rotating lower unit for that motor, and you won't find any lefthand props for it. Even if you could, the lower unit wouldn't last running it like that as it is made for righthand rotation. As I said, either the lower unit needs to be replaced with the proper one, or the linkage up top needs to be replaced to compensate...

Lower units from 1978 on up to about 1988 3-cylinder models should work. Later units will work, too, but the driveshafts need to be swapped out due to different splines. Yours has a 4-sided spline, while later ones use a fine spline arrangement...

- Scott

 

[jtexas]

Re: '79 Evinrude runs backwards??????

dang, scott, I thought I had it for sure.............................................