Lost reverse?

[geckogeek]

Hello,

1972 Johnson 50hp hydro elec shift

I changed my prop last night and for some reason I lost reverse.....changed the prop back and still no reverse.....it actually tries to go forward a bit. The control seems fine....can hear it click and everything looks ok inside of it. The wires look ok on the motor that run down to the gearcase. Any ideas of what might be the issue? I can live without reverse for the season if I must.

Thank you

 

[geckogeek]

Re: Lost reverse?

Anyone? Thanks

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Lost reverse?

Hydro Electric Shift)
(J. Reeves)

The shifting setup of the lower unit is what's called a "Hydro Electric Shift", which is quite complex consisting of voltage being applied to solenoids in the lower unit which in turn change oil passages via a oil pump that supplies various pressure on a spring loaded shifter dog. The wires leading to the lower unit (at the powerhead) are "Green" and "Blue". The engine must be running or cranking over in order to shift out of forward gear.

You CAN NOT use HI VIS lube in that lower unit. You MUST USE what OMC calls "Premium Blend" lube, commonly called "Type C". (A thinner lube)

In neutral, you need 12v to the "Green" wire.
In reverse, you need 12v to both wires, the "Green" one and the "Blue" one.
In forward, there should be no voltage to either wire. (The spring loaded shifter dog forces the unit into forward gear)

To check the lower unit for proper shifting to make sure you have no trouble there, remove the spark plugs to avoid problems and to allow a higher cranking speed.

This next step eliminates the actual shift switch in case problems may exist there.... Disconnect the blue & green wires at the knife connectors (the rubber insulated boots) leading to the lower unit at the powerhead, then using jumpers, take voltage direct from the starter solenoid to apply voltage to the "Green" wire for neutral, then both wires 'Green" & "Blue" for reverse (Remember the engine must be cranking over in order to shift).
With no voltage applied, the unit should be in forward. No need for a ground jumper... the lower unit's already grounded. You may crank the engine with the key switch or by energizing the starter solenoid with a jumper wire.

 

[geckogeek]

Re: Lost reverse?

Thanks, I'll try it tonight

 

[geckogeek]

Re: Lost reverse?

Ok....put the tester on it as above.....works. Jumped the wires as above....works. Put the muffs on and fire it up......reverse don't work? Weird eh. Any ideas before I assume I need to tear the bottom end apart?

Thanks, Joe