Engine won't engage to move Forward

joek · Jun 1, 2005

I have an Evinrude 90 Model E90ELEOC, SN# G03959307, the engine is running fine, but will not engage going forward. The engine revs when I shift into the forward position but does not engage. The engine engages in Reverse without any problem. Looking for suggestions in troubleshooting this issue. Very difficult to move the gear shift to the forward position by the wheel. Any suggestions for easily removing the side panels to get access to the components connecting the cable between the gear shift and the engine. It is a Larson 1996 17 footer. Thanks

OBJ · Jun 1, 2005

Re: Engine won't engage to move Forward

Had any work done to the lower unit late Joe? Is this a new engine to you or did the problem just crop up? Pull the engine hood and put the control in neutral and take a look at the shift lever at the engine. It should be near vertical. Disconnect the shift cable from the shift lever and shift the engine manually while spinning the prop. Feel like it's catching both gears? Put the engine in neutral and the control in neutral and attach the shift cable. Now adjust the trunion nut on the shift cable till the trunion slips into the anchor bracket and the shift lever stays vertical. Now have a helper shift while you spin the prop. Is it catching both gears? Unless you've had work done to the lower unit and the shift rod has been misadjusted, this should get your gears for you.

angus63 · Jun 1, 2005

Re: Engine won't engage to move Forward

Joe Three things to check 1) Disconnect shift cable at the motor and shift the motor into forward by hand. If it works, you have a cable/control box issue. If not.... 2) Mark the prop hub and bushing and try the motor in forward. Now look at the marks and see if they are still in line? If not, you have a spun prop hub. If they are in line..... 3) You will need to drop the lower unit, check the shift rod height and adjust. Reassemble and adjust the cable so it's centered. Really, the first step is a factory manual!!! Since your shifting is difficult, I'm leaning towards a frozen cable. Penetrant, lube , and working the cable sometimes works. Good luck and let us know.....

joek · Jun 1, 2005

Re: Engine won't engage to move Forward

No, I have not had any work done on the engine. Was working fine last season. The prop locked in reverse but spun freely in forward.

angus63 · Jun 1, 2005

Re: Engine won't engage to move Forward

If your cable is "frozen", the shifter is in forward but the motor ain't. Try going thru the suggestions above and we'll narrow it down for ya.

joek · Jun 1, 2005

Re: Engine won't engage to move Forward

When we purchased the boat not manuals came with it, any ideas on where to get a factory manual for a 96 Evinrude engine????

angus63 · Jun 1, 2005

Re: Engine won't engage to move Forward

try theoutboardwizard.com website or kencook website

OBJ · Jun 1, 2005

Re: Engine won't engage to move Forward

Angus has a good suggestion Joe...about the cables....why not disconect both and see if the operate freely? Would take that much outta' the picture. Also, if they are old, could be someplace along the cable the covering is spit and the core cable is popping out.....good place to start.

joek · Jun 1, 2005

Re: Engine won't engage to move Forward

I agree and appreciate your suggestions. One other thing with the gear shifter so hard to engage was wondering if that could use some lubricant. Any suggestions on getting the side panels off to get to the connections behind wall on the gear shift. Those screws seem difficult to access at best.

OBJ · Jun 1, 2005

Re: Engine won't engage to move Forward

Side mounts can be a challenge with out the manual Joe.....

Which one to you have....a large chrome ring or a black plastic cover..round at the front and square at the back?

joek · Jun 1, 2005

Re: Engine won't engage to move Forward

It appears to be three different pieces connected in a pattern hooking into the side wall. You can see the screws when you stretch the panels from the wall out but it is difficult to access the components and connections behind the gear shift without removing the panels.

OBJ · Jun 1, 2005

Re: Engine won't engage to move Forward

Joe...does the OMC logo appear in the middle of the control handle or anywhere else on the control?

Engine won't engage to move Forward

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