1977 Evinrude 70hp - no reverse or neutral

[kevC]

I'm having trouble with a 1977 Evinrude 70hp outboard.

It has been working well, but has been left for some time.

I hooked up a battery but I found I couldn't get it into neutral so it wouldn't start. It seems to be locked in forward only. like some sort of safety mechanism.
The control is a power pilot.

I would appreciate any comments on what the problem might be and how I can unlock it.

thanks

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: 1977 Evinrude 70hp - no reverse or neutral

disconnect cable at the motor, turn the prop with your foot, and try shifting the manually the shift connector.

 

[kevC]

Re: 1977 Evinrude 70hp - no reverse or neutral

Thanks for the reply.

I can't get to the boat until tomorrow night, however it seemed like when the lever on the control was pushed back as far towards neutral as it would go, I could move the shift on the engine a little further and engage the gear. It seemed like the control was blocking the movement.

I think this happened recently when the level was moved to forward and reverse a few times without the engine running. Seemed a little stiff I think.

 

[kevC]

Re: 1977 Evinrude 70hp - no reverse or neutral

I dismantled the control unit and rebuilt it, and this seems to have fixed it. I think maybe something had become a little out of alignment.
thanks