Home › Forum › Ask A Member › 1970 85 hp V4 › Re: 1970 85 hp V4
Yes, that would be the Hydro-Electric shift. And yes, it defaults to forward. And no, the shift switch in the control is different than the Electric Shift. Opinions vary, but I say the Hydro Electric is a good system—if in good condition. Clean oil is absolutely essential and if you let it get dirty and gritty, it is repair city time. That shift switch is getting rare and $$$$$. And of course look out for rotted wiring.
The ignition system was state of the art in it’s day. But not very good by today’s standards. It has breaker points, set at .009-.010". And lubricate the anti-reverse cut-out ring sparingly with EP grease. The ignition amplifier is easy to trash by improper practices. Good battery connections are vital.
Aside from all that, they were very good motors in their day.