1968 Evinrude 40HP Selectric Shift Won't hold in gear

[PS94]

I have a nice old 1968 40H Rude with selectric shift, model 40872D.

It won't hold in gear anything above 1/2 throttle. I looked on BRP's site, and most parts are available, but the ones I suspect are around $200 each....What should I be looking for and is there ways to troubleshoot it before buying parts willy nilly?

 

[racerone]

The first thing to do is to try another prop.

 

[PS94]

Oh? the prop could cause it to pop out of gear? It's in good shape...I was leaning towards spring or cones or magnet?

 

[racerone]

Try a prop first as the rubber drive bushing could be slipping.----I have the tools to repair the clutch spring should it be the culprit.----Many years of experience on these simple units too.

 

[F_R]

No Title

Agreed 100%, check prop hub first. Make a mark on the prop nut (or use the cotter pin as a reference), and make a mark on the prop, aligned with the first one. Run motor till suspected slippage occurs. Stop motor and look at the marks, If no longer aligned, it slipped

Next things to check are the gearcase oil and electrical system. Correct oil and no water? Electrical problems are far more likely than clutch problems. Anything from the shift switch in the control to the gearcase.

Go into the gearcase only after everything else has been thoroughly checked.

 

[boobie]

Having the correct oil is very important. Been there.

 

[PS94]

No Title

it did get the wrong oil put in once, I had the merc stuff sitting around, and thought the lil ole gal would like the mercruiser stuff....after putting it in, I read the back, NOT FOR USE IN ELECTRIC SHIFTS..so I drained it and put the correct stuff in. The issue came shortly after.... I changed the selector switch on the control box, as it smelled like burnt and I was ripping apart the control box for repaint anyhow...but that didn't fix her....
I'll get it on the water and check the prop this week...Are props still available for this little ole gal?

 

[F_R]

it did get the wrong oil put in once, I had the merc stuff sitting around, and thought the lil ole gal would like the mercruiser stuff....after putting it in, I read the back, NOT FOR USE IN ELECTRIC SHIFTS..so I drained it and put the correct stuff in. The issue came shortly after.... I changed the selector switch on the control box, as it smelled like burnt and I was ripping apart the control box for repaint anyhow...but that didn't fix her....
I'll get it on the water and check the prop this week...Are props still available for this little ole gal?

Sure they are. Right here at iboats, for one. But the picture is wrong, otherwise see http://boatpropellers.iboats.com/Ev...num_012024_Propeller/43/47/?cart_id=394198218

 

[PS94]

Hit the nail on the head boys. Prop spun....I didn`t even think to check it as it looked solid, as opposed to the hub kit on my Merc...shes all spun to hell!! can a fella get props with replaceable hubs? or am i stuck replacing a perfectly fine prop for a spun center?

 

[F_R]

Prop shops can replace that hub, if they have a replacement one to do it with.

 

[PS94]

Well, the prop was a problem. But it seems to not have been THE problem. Still slipping when torque load is too high. Magnet? What to look next?

 

[racerone]

Take ohm reading from green wire to ground and then blue wire to ground.---If both read the same valu it likely is not a problem with the magnet.

 

[PS94]

Will do and report back..is there an OHM value I should be within?

 

[F_R]

Those 40hp electric shift motors are suffering from old age of the cable running down to the lower unit. They disintegrate, fall apart, etc. An ohms test may show it, but removing the lower unit (as if doing a water pump job) will make it obvious. Last time I looked, they were NLA or outrageously expensive if you could find one. And since it is in the water and un-solderable, very difficult to patch or cobble up. Good luck.

 

[boobie]

5-6 ohms is what you're looking for.

 

[PS94]

Was talking to some fellows at work...could cavitation make a similar effect? feels like it's kicking out of gear, motor revs, then BANG! back into gear?

 

[racerone]

I showed a dealer ( 33 years experience on his business card ) how to repair one of these.--------He said " in my wildest dreams I would not have figured out this repair method "-----Bought the tool from me as he said " you can make another one "-----Dealer was in Toronto and specializes in older motors.

 

[PS94]

well, I don't specialize in old motors.....I'm just tryin to get the lil gurl to go forward when i ask!!!!

 

[boobie]

Good point !!!!

 

[PS94]

So anyone this may be cavitation? Or should I delve deeper into the gear case after an OHM check?