what is this thing???? 68' 55 hp

[lastout]

ok, stupid question. someone gave me a 1968 55 hp evinrude triumph to use for parts. i noticed a round, black case attached to the powerhead between the choke solenoid and the throttle arm. it has a rubber cover on it and underneath the cover are wire connections for what appears to be a switch of some sort. its not hooked up to any wires so i couldn't track it down to figure out what it does. this is a 3 cyl. model. any clues would be greatly appreciated!

 

[Joe Reeves]

Re: what is this thing???? 68' 55 hp

That's a vacuum switch that applies voltage to the neutral solenoid in the lower unit via the control unit when the engine's running. Without it, the engine/boat would jump forward the instant the key is turned to the off position.

 

[lastout]

Re: what is this thing???? 68' 55 hp

great, thanks joe!! now my curiousity has grown though. my 71 60 hp has hydro-electric shift, but does not have this newly described item on it. can you tell me what keeps my 71' from doing what you describe since it doesn't have this switch?

 

[rodbolt]

Re: what is this thing???? 68' 55 hp

Hello<br /> your 71 used a blocking diode setup powered by the alternator stator windings that would hold nuetral until the last few turns of the flywheel. was better than the rubber and made for better reliability. good luck and keep riding

 

[Joe Reeves]

Re: what is this thing???? 68' 55 hp

Lastout....... Yeah, what RodBolt said (grin). The diode is usually in the control box close to the ignition switch.

 

[lastout]

Re: what is this thing???? 68' 55 hp

thank you gentleman very much, i learn something new everyday.