Evinrude 4 HP dies when shift to Forward

[djletin1]

4 HP Model E4RDHLCUD Serial # B1384573 (1987)
Engine starts and runs fine in neutral. Stops instantly when I shift it into forward or reverse at the shifter. There was a squeak/squeal of unknown origin for a few minutes before this malfunction occurred. Shift lever works smoothly and enters click detent without any resistance or looseness.
Also if the squeak at the beginning indicates a bearing gone bad at the engine/lower end junction. Pull start easy in N (starts) but more difficult in F (or R) and doesn't start. Good flow of cooling water. Thanks for the help

 

[Vic.S]

Have you checked/changed the gear case oil ? It should be up to the level plug. There should be no free water and the oil should be " clear and bright"



The ‹Pull start should not be significantly more difficult in gear than in neutral. Problem with lower unit if it is. The only extra parts rotating when in gear are the prop shaft and prop
In neutral you should be able to turn the prop and prop shaft freely. Can you ?

 

[djletin1]

Thanks for reply. Oil is at correct level but is black. No sign of water though. Prop does NOT rotate freely in neutral and is very difficult to turn by hand.

 

[nwcove]

not much background given on this issue, but i would remove the prop and see if there is 200 yds of fused monofilament on the propshaft. just a thought.

 

[Vic.S]

Thanks for reply. Oil is at correct level but is black. No sign of water though. Prop does NOT rotate freely in neutral and is very difficult to turn by hand.

What ever is causing you prop not to rotate freely is your problem.

As suggested it could be due to fishing line. If it is there is a good chance it will have damaged the seal.

If the oil is black it sounds as though it needs changing. I'd be worried about what might have caused the oil to be black. It should be no more than a little darker than it was when new.

( a tip with that longshaft engine ... when you remove the lower unit to replace the pump impeller. remove the 5" extension with the gearcase. Then clean the shaft up and remove the extension from the gear case. When rebuilding fit the extension to the exhaust housing then fit the gear case )

 

[djletin1]

Ok. I got the prop off and opend the lower portion of the gear box to make sure all the gears were turning freely. Also, planing to lube the shaft and replace the lower unit oil at this point. All seems to be moving freely. Problem now is I was trying to fit the prop back on but can't get it to fit right into the [SEAL, Bearing housing to propeller shaft] The prop was stuck in there pretty good, got it off, but now I can't get the prop back on the shaft enough to get the drive (sheer) pin back on.