Hydro-Electric shift function

[imported_scott_r]

There was a lengthy discussion about a year ago on the subject of replacing the shift control on hydro-electric shift units with a dash-mounted toggle switch (or other separate switching device). It's not my intention to revisit that subject, but I have a question related to the issue -

My understanding is that the unit defaults to forward with no voltage applied to either wire, shifts to neutral with voltage applied only to the green wire (neutral solenoid), and shifts into reverse with voltage applied to both the green and blue wires (neutral and reverse solenoids).

What happens if voltage is applied only to the blue wire? Does it simply not function or can something be damaged? Physically, what happens when the reverse solenoid is energized but the neutral solenoid is not?

 

[F_R]

Re: Hydro-Electric shift function

Nothing will happen. Simply won't function. No damage.

The solenoids simply close a couple of oil flow valves. Closing one of them causes it to go into neutral. Closing both causes it to go into reverse. Closing reverse only won't do anything because neutral is still open.

 

[imported_scott_r]

Re: Hydro-Electric shift function

Great info. Thanks! One (hopefully final) question -

Do you know how much current these solenoids draw?

 

[bigpoppakdog]

Re: Hydro-Electric shift function

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mAtlYGy3Afs&feature=related

I changed mine out last summer. I have since replaced the cutoff switch toggle with a toggle that has a cover on it. Found them at radio shack.

 

[imported_scott_r]

Re: Hydro-Electric shift function

Thanks. That reminds me, I did have another question -

In addition to needing to know the current draw of these solenoids, can anyone show me how they've installed the diodes in cases where diodes were used? I understand where they fit schematically, but I'm looking for some photos of how and where they have been physically connected in a toggle-switch replacement installation.

 

[F_R]

Re: Hydro-Electric shift function

1.5 to 2 amps.
Are you talking about the blocking diode? They used a diode encapsolated in a gob of epoxy with wire leads sticking out both ends & a terminals on the end. It just hung from the wires.

EDIT: Remember, that is an inductive load. Use a diode and switch rated for several times the normal current draw. If you know about inductive loads you know why. Otherwise just believe it.

 

[tx1961whaler]

Re: Hydro-Electric shift function

I have run them quite nicely with 20 Amp switches. The main thing is to make sure that they are waterproof, and set up so it is not easy to accidently switch them while underway.