Reverse on 1969 Evinrude is weak

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Hey yall,

Just picked up a 1979 Viking V-16SI Sportdeck for a song. Nice little Deck boat for the Lake house. It has a 1969 Evinrude 85 hp. I've researched this forum and it has the Hydro Electric shift technology. Forward and neutral are Smooth enough. Reverse weak, by weak I mean when it went into reverse I did not feel that little clunk and then move in reverse. It just started to very slowly move in reverse, no where near enough to slow you down if you needed to stop from hitting a dock or any other normal use for revers. It SLOWLY pulled me away from trailer when launching. Wondering if there is an adjustment or maybe weak connection to solenoid. I understand it needs to wires hot with 12v for reverse to function. Any advice is appreciated greatly !

Thanks !

P.S. In looking under hood and seller stating his buddy(former owner) had 600 bucks of work on motor last year. It looks like a new Amp, plugs, wires and generally clean condition. It started right up and jumped up on plane and then topped around 35-37. Prop is dinged and needs replacing so I figured that was fast enough for now ! 550 dollars for the whole deal w/trailer so I cant lose money and now have a nice little boat, will look into replacing carpet and possibly a bit of flooring( Ive read on those sections and am good with that)
There is a bunch of wiring that has battery connections, but Im not sure where they go on battery posts. For Sea trials I just used 2 main connections so I don't have any light, bilge, fuel gauge etc

Regards !
 

WillyBWright

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Re: Reverse on 1969 Evinrude is weak

Try changing the gearlube. If the usual thick stuff used in mechanical shift models is in there, it'll have a hard time fully engaging reverse. I've heard that ATF is do-able if you can't find electric-shift gearlube. I have concerns, but when you think of it. it goes in cars and trucks that have a whole lot more than 85Hp going through the gears.
 

JB

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Re: Reverse on 1969 Evinrude is weak

Double post
 
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