Selec-TRICK Shift

[toystory_4wd]

Hi! I recently aquired a '72 Evinrude 50hp, with the Selectric Shift. I am still putting things together and haven't run her yet. Research has gotten me far regarding the pushbutton shift business (which I could live without, but the motor was cheap) but I haven't been able to ascertain this:

When I push either the forward or neutral button, said button stays down and any other downed button pops up. The reverse button will not stay down. (But the others DO pop back up) Is this a defect, or some sort of engineering quirk designed to keep me from throttling up in reverse (as I only have one right hand)? I'm having visions of trying to hold down the reverse button with one hand, throttle in another hand, and steering with a third, after, of course, having another arm surgically added...

While cranking the engine, neutral DOES engage (when selected) so I'm operating under the assumption that the system is working more or less.

Thanks, all! Cheers- Chris

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Selec-TRICK Shift

there is a fault in the reverse, could be that just the slide needs cleaning.

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.

 

[toystory_4wd]

Re: Selec-TRICK Shift

I have seen this write-up, it's very useful. I just wasn't sure if the button was supposed to stay down. I guess my next move is to test (while cranking, plugs out) to see if it stays in reverse when pushed.
Gotta figure out what slide you refer to, too! Thanks! Chris

 

[F_R]

Re: Selec-TRICK Shift

The button should stay down. If you take the cover off the control you will see a plastic slide above the switch. It's function is to prevent pushing the buttons at a high throttle setting. It is adjustable by the two screws at the forward end of the slider.

 

[toystory_4wd]

Re: Selec-TRICK Shift

Well, then- I guess I'll be breaking out the screwdrivers after work (and probably some epoxy, too, by the sounds of things). Thanks for the tips, fellas! Cheers- Chris