1977 Evinrude 115 kick out of gear

[RoughFishAssassins]

Well, we took our "new to us" 115 out for a spin yesterday and all was running great, as we went to "open it up" it kicked out of gear. We actually thought we broke something at first. My question is what might be causing that and can I adjust something to prevent it from happening. This is my first go around with something this big, we had a 55 Johnson that worked great, we just wanted more. Any help is greatly appreciated. Thanks

 

[mekkamaz]

Re: 1977 Evinrude 115 kick out of gear

You can test if it is a bad shift lever adjustment by removing the shift cable, and put in gear manually and see if it kick out again, just to discard any gearcase issue. If it is ok, then check shift cable for any damage. If cable is ok, you can adjust by the trunnion adjustment nut.

 

[HighTrim]

Re: 1977 Evinrude 115 kick out of gear

Did it sound like you were hitting a log?

You are describing classic symptoms of a faulty clutch dog and/or forward gear. They have precisely machined edges, and when those edges round the increase in RPMs causes them to slip apart, causing it to jump out of gear.

Wont know for sure which one until you open her up. Did you not take her for a spin before buying?

This is usually caused by improper shifting by the operator, but can also be caused by improper adjustment. Always snap that shifter into gear in a sure, quick movement.

 

[Will Bark]

Re: 1977 Evinrude 115 kick out of gear

I'd also check for a "spun" prop.

 

[emdsapmgr]

Re: 1977 Evinrude 115 kick out of gear

Did someone recently replace the water pump impeller?

 

[RoughFishAssassins]

Re: 1977 Evinrude 115 kick out of gear

When I said it sounded like we j=hit a log, I ment it was just on crack and that was it. I did recently replace the impellar, what would that have to do with it?
There was one point also that when I shifted out of forward it slipped into reverse quickly, I actually had to play with the shifter a little to get it into neutral. The shifter is the same one from my 55 and had no problems with it on there.
I appreciate all the help you guys give. This is great.

 

[emdsapmgr]

Re: 1977 Evinrude 115 kick out of gear

Sometimes when the impeller is replaced, the shift rod gets turned/moved. If that shift rod gets moved, it will change the specific height requirement (as is indicated in the factory service manual) and can cause shifting problems. Depending on how much the rod height changed, you may not be able to make a compensating adjustment at the shift lever under the cowling.