18hp loses power when I try to accelerate. ???

[shansar]

PLEASE HELP! I just got a boat from my wife's grandpa. The engine is a 1966 18hp Evinrude. It starts great and runs fine. Yesterday as I was out it started to sound as though it was spinning out of the water. The prop sounds like it is still going but there is no power. I can troll at a slow speed but when I increase the speed it just revs up and doesn't go any faster. The only thing I can come up with is a spun prop. Could this be it? I sure appreciate ANY help! Thanks a bunch!

 

[12Footer]

Re: 18hp loses power when I try to accelerate. ???

Yes, it could be a spun hub in the prop.<br />Those older engines had shear pin tho, and I would pull the prop, and inspect the shear pin. If it is good, send the prop in. While you have the prop off, drain the lower unit into a pan. Note it's color. If gray or streaky it might be gear damage due to running it with a leaking seal.Run your finger thru the old lube and feel for chunks.Any chunks smaller than a grain of sugar should be considered normal. Anything larger, and you have gear damage.<br />Also, the linkage could be out of adjustment,but I doubt this, as it drives at idle.

 

[Fouled Plug]

Re: 18hp loses power when I try to accelerate. ???

I had an old 18 Evinrude with the same symptoms. The clutch dog in those motors is prone to wear that makes engagement hit or miss. Check for "ramping" of the teeth on the dog or wear on the gears. Does reverse work OK?<br /><br />------------------<br />I'm going to invent a TCW3/citronella oil blend and make a fortune!

 

[shansar]

Re: 18hp loses power when I try to accelerate. ???

Yes reverse works foul plug. I will drain and check the oil to see if it is something with the gears. I made a mark on the hub and the prop put the prop back on and ran it. I then checked to see if the lines were still lined up and they weren't so according to the prop shop guy it is slipping. I took it in and get it back Thursday. The shear pin was fine. I will let you guys know if it works or not. THanks a BUNCH for your help guys I really appreciate it!<br />Have a great 4th!<br />THanks again,<br />Dave