74 Evinrude 70HP won't run in forward gear

[ruddy]

My motor will start and fast idle OK. If I'm quick enough on a shift into reverse (idle speed seems too low), it will run great. However, shifting into forward causes it to struggle like it's starving for fuel and die.<br /><br />Where should I start to sort this out?<br /><br />Thanks.

 

[Chinewalker]

Re: 74 Evinrude 70HP won't run in forward gear

Hi Ruddy,<br /> First, don't run it anymore until you've sorted it out. Check for spark in all three cylinders. If that's good, move onto a compression check. You want them all relatively even in the 120+ neighborhood (my '80 is 155 psi across the board). If it passes step 2, move onto the fuel system. Remove and disassemble all three carbs and clean them internally. Compressed air and carb cleaner a-plenty. Do get a manual to do this part - whether you buy one (here at iboats) of borrow one (library, etc.). My gut feeling is you've got a fouled carb. Simply spraying carb cleaner down the carb will NOT fix your problem...<br />- Scott

 

[ruddy]

Re: 74 Evinrude 70HP won't run in forward gear

Thanks for the reply, Scott. I just replaced the PowerPack and spark plugs, and I verified I was getting a good spark on all three when I did. It ran OK hooked up to a hose, so it seems to have trouble with a real load on the prop. I'll check the compression next and go from there.