58 starflite 50hp:seeking info. and stuck in gear.

Looking at purchasing this motor. I don't know much about it, though. I was wondering what anyone could tell me. Is it electric shift? Anything that might be of interest, would definitely be of interest to me. I know it's a V4, and it runs. It's electric start. If I purchase it, I'd be the second owner. <br /><br />One problem with the motor. The owner says it's stuck in gear. He tells me that he has been starting it that way for some time, and that it's best to make sure the boat is pointed in the right direction. LOL. I'm like, "No kidding". At any rate, I asked more about that and was told that it started getting sticky, and then eventually just got stuck. I was wondering what it would take to fix this problem. I won't buy the motor if it isn't cost-effective. I have enough junk at home already. Thanks in advance.

Re: 58 starflite 50hp:seeking info. and stuck in gear.

Not electric shift. <br />Never had that problem with mine, what does the gear oil look like? white, gray, sparkles? What is the compression? It does like gas, a lot! running at 3/4 throttle helps. Also I would bet the bearings in the magneto are dry cause they have never been serviced.

Re: 58 starflite 50hp:seeking info. and stuck in gear.

Appreciate the info, rwise. I haven't even looked at the motor yet. Just emailing back and forth with the owner. He's just asking 200 dollars for it, so I'm just trying to get an idea of possible issues. I'd at least like to know what red flags to look for when I go over there, and the obvious start is this gear issue.

Re: 58 starflite 50hp:seeking info. and stuck in gear.

Hey Swimmin'. I think rwise nailed it. If you go look, you might disconnect the shift remote at the motor (shift lever) and see if it can be shifted by hand there to eliminate bad remotes or cables. Those cables can get pretty stiff over time. If the shift lever moves, but the motor stays in forward, start checking the linkage. I believe that model may have a little oval-shaped access cover halfway down the lower unit where a shift coupler is. You can take that off and see if the coupler is connect at both sides. <br /><br />If the shift lever is stuck, check the linkage as well. If you have a moment, you might pull one of the cap screws out of the coupler (don't drop it down the unit) and see if the shifter and upper shift rod move freely. If so, you probably have a lower unit issue (yoke, gear, splines, dog, etc.)<br /><br />You might also try killing the motor, and putting a little force on the prop in the reverse direction while trying to shift.<br /><br />Good luck!

Re: 58 starflite 50hp:seeking info. and stuck in gear.

good points Dave<br />If the cable is froze up you can try coiling it up in the bottom of a 5 gallon bucket, then cover it with anti freeze, let it soak a few days and see if it has freed up.<br />the oval plate on the side has another under it, both have to come off to see the coupler.<br />Richard

Re: 58 starflite 50hp:seeking info. and stuck in gear.

Swimming, I have owned two of those motors. I found that they did use a lot of gas, and took a bit of maint (carb clean and adjust) to keep them running well. They were excellent a pushing heavy boats, but never had much top end. Also, only a single (14") pitch prop is available for them.<br /><br />For that much money, I would look for another motor. The 60,65,70,75 HP V-4s were based upon the "Fat-Fifty" design, but are more powerful, better on fuel and newer.