Evinrude 50 hp selectronic shift problem

[squid1230]

Hello all,
First post here - wonderful site filled with great info. I almost didn't need to post a question because of all the info freely available. My question, however, is more of a conceptual one, or rather my inability to wrap my head around the problem.

Tried boating with the kids the other day after not having used the boat for a few years. On the dry it ran fine with the muffs and "seemed" to shift just fine. In the water, however, it was a different story. I couldn't get it into forward gear no matter what.

So, reading here that the solenoids shift to neutral and reverse, and that by default it shifts into forward with no current going to the solenoids confirmed by my hand propping it with the engine off ( obviously) and finding the gear was engaged, why is it then that I can't get into forward? Reverse or neutral I could see, but not forward. Btw - with the engine running and pressing the forward button I can hear a very faint " grinding" sound, like just the tips of the gears are meshing. Does this make any sense to anyone?

I think, and keep in mind I really don't know the first thing about these engines, that the neutral solenoid is being energized when the forward button is pressed which makes me think it's the switch which is defunct.

Opinions?

 

[tx1961whaler]

Re: Evinrude 50 hp selectronic shift problem

A guess? Broken driveshaft.

 

[squid1230]

Re: Evinrude 50 hp selectronic shift problem

But it works in reverse. I'd use it that way, but my neck would get sore, not to mention it would be tough to tow a skier.

 

[tx1961whaler]

Re: Evinrude 50 hp selectronic shift problem

What is the year/model number?
You're going to have to check the voltages at the shift wires at the powerhead. Should be no voltage on either shift wire for forward, voltage on green only for neutral, and voltage on both green and blue for reverse. You can also use jumper wires apply voltage to see if it shifts while the controls are disconnected. The motor does need to be running in order for it to shift.

If the controls are providing the proper voltage at the powerhead connectors, then the problem is either in the wire from the powerhead down to the gearcase or is in the gearcase itself.

 

[squid1230]

Re: Evinrude 50 hp selectronic shift problem

Thanks for the info - I'm about an hours drive from the boat right now, but will run the voltage test you describe. The prop does spin up with advancement of the power in forward gear, but only in free air. I suspect ( though I will not try) that I could stop the prop from spinning with my hand.

 

[squid1230]

Re: Evinrude 50 hp selectronic shift problem

Alrighty - test complete, but I'm just as confused as before. The blue and green wires have voltages when they are supposed to and no voltage when they aren't. The weird thing is that it measured 6.5V not 12V. I suspected the selector switch so completely disconnected it. With the engine running the forward gear isn't engaged properly. I tested my theory that I would be able to stop the prop and I was correct. The weird voltage issue aside - it is almost like when the current is removed from the solenoids they aren't quite releasing and allowing the oil to route through different oil passages. Can anyone clue me in? Is my next attack of the solenoids sounding reasonable?

Cheers,
Toby

 

[tx1961whaler]

Re: Evinrude 50 hp selectronic shift problem

Sounds reasonable. The hydro-electrics can and do get clogged if the oil is contaminated. It does have Type C oil in it? The regular gear oil doesn't work so well.

 

[yorab]

Re: Evinrude 50 hp selectronic shift problem

Just curious what year your motor is...

 

[Daviet]

Re: Evinrude 50 hp selectronic shift problem

There are two types of electric shift lower units, they test and shift differently. Need a model number, how many cylinders do you have?