1985 Evinrude 85 HP Stuck in Forward

[ab0826156]

I just bought a 1973 Starcraft 15’ and it has a 1972 Evinrude 85 HP motor on it. I have power to the starter, new solenoid, and the control box up front to switch gears, but when I go to start the motor does nothing. The prop will turn but it is obviously in gear. How do I get it out of gear to start this thing? I appreciate your help as I’m stumped

 

[racerone]

If it is a 72 model 85 HP it is electric shift.---When the motor is NOT RUNNING it will default to forward gear.----You can push buttons all day long and it will not go into neutral.-----With the control set in NEUTRAL ( Lower unit in forward still ) it will shift to neutral within 1 turn of the flywheel when starting this motor..

 

[F_R]

Heading says 1985 Evinrude, text says 1972. So which is it?
If it is a 1972, what racer said is true. If I might add, a 1972 has start-in-neutral protection, so neutral button must be pressed in order to run the starter---even though the prop will be in forward till cranking.

 

[ab0826156]

It is a 72. I can’t get the motor to turn over from turning the key on. Is it because it is in forward?

 

[racerone]

No ----As we have clearly stated this fine machine does NOT shift until there is oil pressure.-----When the motor has turned about 3/4 of a revolution there is oil pressure to put the prop in neutral.----There is also a safety switch shown on the engine block.----It prevents cranking if throttle is open too far.----It has just 1 white wire to it .---I repeat just 1 white wire.----That switch may need to be cleaned internally to provide a path to ground.----Yes I clean them and easy to do.----I have lots of those switches but they are easy to clean.

 

[F_R]

ab, I'm afraid you don't understand what we are saying.

1. Yes, as racer is saying the prop will be in forward gear until the motor is rotating and the oil pump making pressure.

2. However, a 1972 push button control (if that is what you have) has a shift switch that prevents starting unless the neutral button is pushed. There are a pair of white wires leading to the 1972 push button switch, providing start-in-neutral protection.

3. Again, as racer says, there is also a safety switch on the motor, activated by the throttle, and it must be closed or the starter won't run.

All of this stuff must be right, or it won't crank.

 

[ab0826156]

You guys are awesome. I appreciate the clarity, and I apologize as this was my first boat purchase.

 

[ab0826156]

So as I turn the ignition key, it should crank?

 

[racerone]

If neutral button is pushed in and the throttle is not advanced too far it should crank.----Propeller will turn 1/2 revolution and be in neutral after that.----If that does not happen repairs are required.---Easy for me , no manual required to overhaul that shift system.