74 evinrude 50 lark no bite in reverse question

[suzukidave]

hi, this is a new to me 1974 50 horse evinrude lark with manual trim. looking for advice on whether the anemic prop bite in reverse is normal or i need to adjust something or replace the prop?

i do not have much experience with pre-1980 outboards but i've run lots of other circa 50 horse motors before. this one runs fine right out to w-o-t going forwards and has 160 psi compression, but it seriously lacks bite in reverse and also stalls out at lower rpm in reverse. very noticeable.

it goes into reverse fine but i found i had to gun the throttle to move the boal. the prop looks normal enough and is in average condition with no damage or repairs. prop has no markings other than "41571". the leg is trimmed down. i was going to try a prop from a 1980s 70 horse but it looks like pre-1975 motors use a different prop.

 

[F_R]

Any outboard is going to lose some thrust in reverse. Mostly because it is sucking exhaust gas into the prop. Also some due to mounting height if it is seriously high. So, it is kind of hard to say what is normal in your case other than you claim experience. Sounds a bit like maybe you are not getting enough throttle in reverse.

EDIT: And obviously, the prop is designed for maximum efficiency while rotating in forward direction, lousy in reverse.

 

[boobie]

To make you feel better you could try another prop

 

[oldboat1]

Stalling at lower rpm is curious. Maybe fishing line wrapped around the hub?