I think my prop is spinning backwards

[Orval]

I have a 70hp Evinrude 70673D 1976

I am waiting for some idle jets to finally get this thing out of the tank and into the water.

When running in the tank to set pick up timing, going over in my head what size jets to use, (Boyesen reeds), I thought that the water was going the wrong way while in forward gear.

So I went out there and shifted back and forth with the motor turned off , turning the flywheel clockwise by hand.

I thought maybe the cables were hooked up wrong so I unhooked them.

When I move the shifter into forward, the cable pushes the shift lever towards the boat and raises the shift rod. When in reverse it moves the opposite direction pushing the shift rod down. I think this is correct. (I am moving the shift lever by hand so I know the cables have nothing to do with this) Then I slowly turn the flywheel by hand clockwise.

Standing behind the boat looking at the prop

In forward the prop turns counterclockwise...in reverse it turns clockwise...

Is this correct?

If not, How can that be?

I have been working on this for some time now and have never had it running in the lake. So I do not know if the gears are actually correct. Just seems backwards to me.

 

[flyingscott]

If that is true somebody put a newer lower unit on it and did not use the the correct linkages.

 

[Orval]

What to do?

 

[Orval]

How do I find out if it is the original lower unit? Do I change linkage? Do I operate controls backwards?
I am at a loss....did not even think (obviously didn't know) that this could even be an issue.

 

[flyingscott]

74-76 and earlier lower units shift opposite of 77 and later lowers. Get it running and see if it actually is happening.

 

[Orval]

When I bought it , it would run but it would die when accelerated. Years later, I found forums like this that have helped me brush the dirt off of it and start working on it. First thing that I saw was a homemade bracket on that linkage that definitely was not in the books.
So I took it off. Rebuilt the motor and have it in the tank...getting it ready.
My son and grandson were over this evening (right before I posted) and I was showing him how the idle jets were wrong..started it up, put in gear at idle.....sounding very promising....and while he was standing behind the boat he noticed it.
So I investigated like I posted and ...yes....it's happening.

What is the best thing for me to do?

Is there more than one option?

Thank you, by the way. This is bumming me out...but definitely helping me . Thx

 

[Orval]

Can I operate the control backwards?
Or do I need to change something?

 

[oldboat1]

Look for a 74-76 lower unit or donor motor. (Can sell your current lower unit to recoup.)

 

[Orval]

Is this one of those that has to be a 70hp, or is there a list of lower units that will fit?

 

[oldboat1]

Wishy-washy answer to a fair question -- look for a '76 sister motor, and go from there. I've had pretty good luck with CL, but try the AOMCI free ads, and post a request for the '76 l.u. or perhaps full motor.

 

[flyingscott]

Put the linkage you took off back on the motor and see if it works then.

 

[Chinewalker]

If you can find the shift linkage from a later 70, that may work, too.

 

[Auxlarry]

Not familiar with this engine or LU but IF its a counter rotating lower couldn't he just purchase a left hand prop?

 

[flyingscott]

Not familiar with this engine or LU but IF its a counter rotating lower couldn't he just purchase a left hand prop?

It is NOT counter rotating.

 

[Auxlarry]

Thanks..was just asking as I enjoy learning...but, if it is a newer or different LU and the prop is spinning backwards with the current linkage couldn't a different prop work?

 

[flyingscott]

No because a CR lower unit is not just a lower unit running in reverse. The internals are usually different.p

 

[Orval]

I found the bracket that the previous owner had on it.
It has been SERIOUSLY hot here for the last 3 days so when it cools off a bit I will see if I can get it to fit better than he had it.
I think that I can get it to work.
Basically, the existing linkage hooks to this "bracket" via a linkage rod. Another rod hooks to shifter. The "bracket" works like a swivel point. As it pulls backwards to engage gears to forward, the second linkage rod moves the shifter forward....reversing the normal movement.
As long as things shift smoothly I should be okay, I think. I just need to modify it to look a little better. My main concern is that it works.

I will let you know how this works out.

Thank you all.

 

[oldboat1]

Would like to see a couple pics of that fix, once you get it back together.

 

[Orval]

[No message]

 

[Orval]

Here are those pics, oldboat1.
Works pretty good for the shifting.
The piece sticking out toward the idle screw adjust bracket is in case when I finally get this thing on the water and it shows any signs of movement, I can attach to that bracket for support.
It seems fine now, but when the water all day...who knows!?
If it does fine I can just cut it off.

Looks bad but works well.