lost forward in 2012 40hp 4stroke!

Cold Atlantic

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
May 22, 2017
Messages
39
I just bought the motor and it works reverse just fine. Forward the prop turns but if you were to put your hand on it it would not break the skin.
I am familiar with old johnson/evinrude outboard but nothing this new. Do these have clutch dogs like older style engines?
What else could it be? I just need to get pointed in the right direction.
Thank you
 

GA_Boater

Honorary Moderator Emeritus
Joined
May 24, 2011
Messages
49,038
Welcome aboard.

Is this motor a tiller or remote? Has any work been done on the motor like impeller replacement? Was it working and suddenly stopped shifting into forward?
 

Cold Atlantic

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
May 22, 2017
Messages
39
It is a new motor to me. So all I can give you are the symptoms. With the motor running the linkage appears to be functional but the prop doesn't spin it has no clicking or grinding from the lower end. Yes it's a tiller. I have no history on previous maintenance or use. The motor does run beautifully. Could it be linkage in the bottom end? Reverse is fine and there is no noises coming from the lower end it just acts like it's not engaging.
 

PontoonPhil

Recruit
Joined
Aug 2, 2017
Messages
2
I am having a similar problem with my "99" 40hp 4 stroke but mine slips out of gear under load. My research in the last few days indicate a worn clutch dog and gear. Main cause was improper prop and shifting. But this is what I was told. Was this the first time on the water? Did it run fine and then stop working? It can be quite pricy replacing the gears and clutch dog. Unless you can find the parts and do it yourself. Sounds to me like it could be the rounded gear and clutch dog. I would first make sure your linkage is adjusted correctly. Usually, well a lot of the times, a boat will move forward and then when the load increases the motor will slip out of gear when these two are rounded.
 

PontoonPhil

Recruit
Joined
Aug 2, 2017
Messages
2
Hey Cold. Let us know what you find out. I am curious to know what the problem may be.Did the person you got it from have any ideas?
 

Cold Atlantic

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
May 22, 2017
Messages
39
He is playing dumb. I guess I just have to dive into it and take the lower end apart.
 

Cold Atlantic

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
May 22, 2017
Messages
39
Took the lower end apart. The problem seems to be the clutch dog actuator pin and spring. The pin was bent and the spring does not compress the clutch dog to engage the forward gear. I am no pro with these motors so I may or may not do it myself.
 
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