1975 Evinrude shift problem???

[eburch29]

I have a 25hp 1975 Evinrude outboard. When I shift into forward and accelerate, it acts as though it hit something but still idles as though in neutral. I have read that this may be a problem with shifter engagement. If so, where do I get the parts and where can I get detailed instructions on fixing the problem??? Thank you.

 

[OBJ]

Re: 1975 Evinrude shift problem???

Hi ya' eburch...and welcome to the forums.<br /><br />The instructions part is easy....get a manual.<br /><br />We need to know with a little more clarity the problem.<br /><br />When you shift into forward and accelerate to wide open throttle, does the engine feel like it hit a log in the water and then re-engages? <br /><br />Or....when you shift into forward, it "thuds" into gear?<br /><br />We can help. Just need a little info about the problem.

 

[eburch29]

Re: 1975 Evinrude shift problem???

Thanks for the welcome! It seemed to happen gradually and become progressively worse. At first it would happen only occasionally when wide open and I thought it was just a log. Now it happens whenever I am in forward and try to accelerate beyond a low speed. It will make a "thud" noise as though it has hit something, feels just like it is trying to come out of the water. On some occasions, it has moved from forward to neutral when this happens, but in others it is still in forward but the throttle must be turned toward "slow" to move at all. Then when I try to accelerate again, the same thing happens. Crazy, huh. Thanks again.

 

[ob]

Re: 1975 Evinrude shift problem???

One of two things.Shift linkage is in need of adjustment.(unlikely)Worn shift dawg and or gear lobes in lower unit.(Likely)

 

[OBJ]

Re: 1975 Evinrude shift problem???

Yep....what ob said. What happens is, the lobes on the clutch dog and gear get worn over round. When you hit a certain rpm or torque, the clutch dog lobes and gear lobes slip apart and re-engage. At or near high speed, this feels like hitting a log in the water.<br /><br />Give a look at the gear lube and see if you see any sparklers floating around. In any event, I agree with ob that the likely cause is warn lobes. Bummer.

 

[eburch29]

Re: 1975 Evinrude shift problem???

Worth fixing, in your opinion? Paid 650 for motor. Should I just get a new one or fix this one?

 

[eburch29]

Re: 1975 Evinrude shift problem???

In any event, appreciate the help, thanks guys, you are great!!!

 

[OBJ]

Re: 1975 Evinrude shift problem???

Yer' lookin' at about $245 for a gear set and abut $75 for the clutch dog new. Look around and see if a good used set or....find a lower unit. Now this is all only if the gear and dog is truly shot. Take a look first. As ob posted, could be the shift rod is out. Look on the starboard side of the engine leg (midsection) and you will see an oval cover with two screws. Remove the screws and remove the cover. The shift rod link will be looking at you in the hole. The shift rod ends have slots in them to accomodate the two screws you see in the link. If the screws are not in the slots, the shift rod will be outta' adjustment. Remove one screw (really a 3/8 fine thread bolt) and take a look with a flashlite. You should be able to see the slot in alignment with the hole in the link.<br /><br />Keep us posted.