Testing electric shift

[Badger2008]

Electric shift question.

Have a 1972 Electric shift 50 HP.

Before I get into the work of getting this old girl going I wanted to make sure the major componets are sound. Otherwise it becomes another parts heap.
Powerhead checks out good for compression etc.

Currently you can grab the prop and turn the motor over manually in either direction. I hooked the old controller switch up and connected power. When I press the 3 buttons there is power to the leads from the lower unit. As they should be for each gear. None for forward. And I think its both on for reverse and one for neutral or vise versa. Anyway there is power there but the unit still does not change gears. Does it need to be running to change gears or should it shift like this?

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Testing electric shift

the motor has to be running for it to shift, also always starts in forward.

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.

 

[Badger2008]

Re: Testing electric shift

Thanks a bunch. Printed that and added it to my manual.

Hang in there. Those Jag's will come along