72 Evinrude shift problems

I have a 72 evinrude 65HP it started with no reverse, when it tried to go it would just grind like the solenoid wasn't strong egnough to shift it. This went on for about 2 years, no big deal I can live without reverse, but then I was out on the lake and it stuck in forward. That same night it went into nuetral and wouldn't pop back into forward, like the solenoid wasn't strong enough to to shift. Now it is stuck in forward and I don't think the solenoid is working. It sounds like solenoid but I wanted to ask before I spend alot of money to buy this part. It also looks hard to fix, alot of parts and alot of chances to screw it up. If it matters I have the push button shfter it seems to be fine. Or is there any chance it can be shifted manually. Thank You for your help!

Worm, I wish I could help. Sorry to hear about the motor issues. I bought a boat from a young man in January and just found out last week the powerhead is bad and the shaft is bent. Luckily, I found a shop nearby with another motor for less then it was gonna cost to fix the broken one. I hear good things about the old Evinrudes. Hopefully you can get her going. Good Luck

Thanks I think I figured it out. I was told electric shift evinrude and johnsons work off hydralic pressure, and springs forward when its out of oil. So i'm probably just low on oil. Nice and simple.

[QUOTE=70worm;407833]Thanks I think I figured it out. I was told electric shift evinrude and johnsons work off hydralic pressure, and springs forward when its out of oil. So i'm probably just low on oil. Nice and simple.[/QUOTE]

Good luck