Where to begin?

[NUTZ]

Hello all, my first time posting so here it goes. I purchased a 1964 Chris Craft Runabout that came equiped with a 1966 Evinrude 40hp model#(40653). I have a problem with the engine kicking out of gear when rolling on the throttle or if the engine is under load. I can keep the engine in gear if I hold the gear shifter all the way forward, but the engine will still kick like a mule. The engine will stay in gear at low speeds and I have no problems starting it. Where should I look first? <br />tun-up with carb rebuild? <br />any help will be greatly appreciated

 

[Paul Moir]

Re: Where to begin?

Make sure you're fully engaging forward gear first. Take the remote off and directly use the gearshift lever on the side of the outboard.<br /><br />If there's no change, your clutch dog in the lower unit is slipping badly. The kicking is it slipping - it's just jumping in and out of gear very quickly.<br /><br />I think you can still get the dog new. If the mating surfaces on the gears are rounded over badly too, then they'll need to be replaced or resurfaced. I think it's possible on that lower to exchange the forward and reverse gears by pressing out the bearing on the reverse gear.<br /><br />The cause of this problem is either mis-adjusted gearshift levers or slow shifting. You should always throw an outboard into gear quickly.<br /><br />That's an easy lower unit to work on. Obtain a service manual first however.

 

[NUTZ]

Re: Where to begin?

Paul, Thanks for the great information, now I know where to begin. <br />Awesome

 

[NUTZ]

Re: Where to begin?

OK, I pulled the lower unit apart to see what the clutch dog and gears would look like and to my surprise everything looks GOOD no servere wear on any of the parts. Now what?

 

[NUTZ]

Re: Where to begin?

 

[Blueclaw]

Re: Where to begin?

did you check the shift detent spring and balls?

 

[lark2004]

Re: Where to begin?

did you check the operation of the shift with the cable disconnected first? It may have just needed adjustment.<br /><br />There are now a few other things you can do, one of them is to replace the impeller in the water pump, the other is to be sure that the shift rod is connected properly when you put the lower unit back on. Be sure that the groove in the rod lines up with the hole for the clamping bolt. If this doesn't line up you will have more shifting problems.

 

[NUTZ]

Re: Where to begin?

I took a look at the shift detent spring and balls and they appear to be in good shape. How can I tell if they are worn?

 

[NUTZ]

Re: Where to begin?

OK, I finally had enough time to remove the lower unit and take a look at the shift linkage and found the bolt on the linkage adjuster just loose enough to cause a little slop. I'm hoping this is the problem. Once everything is together I will test it out and let you know. Thanks for all of the great ideas.