Shifting

[boosch1]

1978 70 HP had water pump replaced now when shifting forward is reverse and reverse is forward. Was the shift linkage incorrectly reassembled?

 

[Chinewalker]

Nothing you could have done changing water pump could have changed the shifting pattern. However, is it possible you have a different lower unit on there now? Earlier 70s used a hydromechanical shift lower unit with a revised shift pattern (up on the shift rod is forward, down is reverse).

 

[racerone]

On the hydro-mechanical units forward is DOWN and reverse is UP on them.------Was this work done at a shop ?------If it was then I would go and have a word with them.

 

[boosch1]

Yes it was. OK will go talk to them. Thanks

 

[boosch1]

By the way. I rebuilt this motor. It was a 1974 blew power head and rebuilt using a 1978 power head. This motor had never been on the water until this spring. Replaced water pump in September. Would a 1978 power head have anything to do with the reversed shifting on a 1974 lower unit?

 

[Faztbullet]

Yes as the 1974 linkages are different....

 

[boosch1]

I had a 1978 70 HP I purchased while rebuilding the 1974. It worked fine with the power pilot remote control. It had the exact same shift linkage. What would be different?

 

[racerone]

Why yes off course that is the issue,------Find the linkages off the 74 and install them on the 78 powerhead !!

 

[boosch1]

That is what I used.

 

[racerone]

Model numbers ?----Post pictures of motor linkages.

 

[boosch1]

I am having issues trying to post pics. # on powedhead 70873C

 

[racerone]

????----Why was there so little information in post # 1 ----I have to ask ?

 

[boosch1]

Did not think about other possible causes until I started to put 2+2 together.

 

[Chinewalker]

If you put the '78 powerhead complete with linkages on your '74 tower, then there is your issue. The linkages are different and operate the shift in the opposite direction. You need to replace the shift and throttle linkages on your '78 powerhead with those from the '74. Might have to pull the powerhead to do this, as I'm not sure there's enough room in the belly pan to remove the shift arm from with the powerhead in place.

 

[racerone]

He says he did use the 74 linkages.------And you do not need to pull the powerhead to switch it over.

 

[boosch1]

OK thanks for the info. Figured out the 1974 lower unit shifts opposite the 1978 power head. 1974 goes into reverse when linkage moves rod down this is true even with the 1974 linkage on the 1978 powedhead. The only fix I see is replacing the 74 lower unit with a later model. Am I correct?

 

[racerone]

NOPE------The 74 goes into reverse when shift rod goes UP--------The 74 goes into forward when the shift rod goes DOWN.-----Post pictures and this can be resolved in an instant !!!!---------NOTE---You need to install the correct linkages on the 78 powerhead to reverse the motion.

 

[racerone]

Maybe what you think is a 74 lower unit is NOT a 74 lower unit.

 

[boosch1]

I tried to post pics I get an error message file to big?

 

[boosch1]

The serial number on plate is 70473M. Guessing 1973 lower unit