1972 Evinrude 85 hp will not go into forward

[firemedic19077]

I have a 1972 Evinrude 85 hp that will not go into forward. Last summer I was head off to my fishing spot (never in reverse) and shut down. When I went to fire back up in Neutral and in start mode the boat fired up in reverse and in full throttle. I disassembled all the way through the lower unit and reassembled. Still will not go into forward. Maybe I over looked something can Anyone help???

 

[12Footer]

Re: 1972 Evinrude 85 hp will not go into forward

Welcome to THE boat owner's best friend on the web (iboats).<br />I believe this model has some sort of electric shifting mechanism that I never DID understand. But lightbulbs lit-up when you stated that it started in reverse and "Full throttle". This would lead me to conclude that something other than the lower unit is at fault here. Something in the linkage,possably inside the control box (or binickle, if so equipped), or at the engine-end of the same throttle cable.

 

[firemedic19077]

Re: 1972 Evinrude 85 hp will not go into forward

I have neutral and reverse and can adjust the throttle. Will not go to forward even manually.

 

[ajp]

Re: 1972 Evinrude 85 hp will not go into forward

Do you have a factory service manual for your motor. Not an aftermarket manual. I have one for a 1970 85 HP for sale for $13.20 delivered to you. If you don't have one you need it. <br /><br />Your motor is an electric shift and would normally be in forward gear when shut off. <br />It will also start in forward gear if the switch in the control box is bad, or the wires are severed. That is the way the motor is made. <br /><br />When shut off, is the prop in forward. Will only turn the forward direction or is it stuck in the reverse direction. Should be forward which is normal. <br /> <br />To start in reverse is either caused by the selinoid getting the correct reverse charge or the lower unit has a problem. which could be several types. <br /><br />WHat type of lower unit oil are you using. For electric shift motors, there is a special type. Another reason to have the original factory manual. Don't waste your money on an aftermarket manual.<br /><br />If you need the manual e-mail me at arlan@pldi.net.<br /><br />Arlan

 

[tautog27]

Re: 1972 Evinrude 85 hp will not go into forward

firemedic,<br /><br />It could be a problem with the shift switch, or shifting diodes. If there is any current going to the gear case, it will either be in neutral or reverse. The lower unit should automatically go into foward if there is no current going to it, it's spring loaded to do so. I would start by checking the two wires that head down toward the lower unit, if they have constant current going to them, especially in foward, there's your problem. Just my guess, I had sorta the opposite problem you have last week, so my thinking is somewhat in reverse. Good Luck, Ross