71 Johnson 60hp - Couple Questions

phipps

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Jul 20, 2008
Messages
385
I just picked up a 71 Johnson 60hp OB with the Hydro Electric drive. I have a bid in on a manual on eBay but Im impatient and want to start working on it.

1) The controls were in 2 pieces when I got it. I have got it put back together, but noticed there were a couple wires that werent connected to anything. Does anyone have a link to a wiring diagram?

2) The motor is in gear. Is there anyway to take it out of gear and/or test the shifting mechanism? Id hate to put a lot of money into the powerhead only to end up having a bad lower unit.
 

tashasdaddy

Honorary Moderator Emeritus
Joined
Nov 11, 2005
Messages
51,019
Re: 71 Johnson 60hp - Couple Questions

1st very careful with shift components. they are expensive, if you can find them.

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.
 

mike64

Lieutenant Junior Grade
Joined
Apr 10, 2008
Messages
1,042
Re: 71 Johnson 60hp - Couple Questions

I just picked up a 71 Johnson 60hp OB with the Hydro Electric drive. I have a bid in on a manual on eBay but Im impatient and want to start working on it.

1) The controls were in 2 pieces when I got it. I have got it put back together, but noticed there were a couple wires that werent connected to anything. Does anyone have a link to a wiring diagram?

2) The motor is in gear. Is there anyway to take it out of gear and/or test the shifting mechanism? Id hate to put a lot of money into the powerhead only to end up having a bad lower unit.

I used to have that motor, and I still have the OEM service manual for it. I can scan and email you the wiring diagram tomorrow, to get you going. I actually have the ignition chapter than I scanned for someone else I could send you right now, if you need it.

Actually, I hope this isn't against the forum rules to say this, but I don't need mine anymore. If you lose your eBay bid pm me and we can work out a good price to sell you mine if you want.
 

tashasdaddy

Honorary Moderator Emeritus
Joined
Nov 11, 2005
Messages
51,019
Re: 71 Johnson 60hp - Couple Questions

MIke i will let it stand, but it is best to do this using the PM FUNCTION. phipps, contact Mike and make your arrangements thru PM's.
 

mike64

Lieutenant Junior Grade
Joined
Apr 10, 2008
Messages
1,042
Re: 71 Johnson 60hp - Couple Questions

Okay TD, will do.
 

phipps

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Jul 20, 2008
Messages
385
Re: 71 Johnson 60hp - Couple Questions

Thanks for the info guys!!

I won the motor on ebay for $125 so Im not going to be out a whole lot if I cant get it going. I didnt even know such a thing as Hydro Electric drive existed until after I had put the bid on this motor. Actually didnt expect to win it.
 
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