1978 vip shuts off engine when put in reverse

[78vip]

I have a 1978 vip that has been sitting for a couple of years.. Replaced the gas tank and got a new battery for it and started it the other day at home.. It took a while to start up but idled and went in drive fine (didn't think to try reverse for some reason).. Then took it out to the lake yesterday and when I went to put it in reverse it sounds like it is trying to go into reverse gear and when it does finally it shuts the engine off.. I know a friend of mine was messing with the adjustments on the engine a few years back and not sure exactly what he did but probably what did it. I don't talk to him any more so really can't ask him what he did.. Does anyone have any suggestions? The model is a 85etlr78c .. Thank you in advance.

 

[Joe Reeves]

Re: 1978 vip shuts off engine when put in reverse

Sitting for a couple years...... Those carburetors have to be somewhat fouled, I suggest you clean all of them so that the engine doesn't stand a chance of running lean.

The engine requires more power in reverse than forward due to the design of he propeller..... the engine shutting down in reverse again brings into play a lack of power due to possible fouled carburertors.

If your shifting problem is simply a cable adjustment problem, read on.

(Centering Shift Cable)
(J. Reeves)

When all is as it should be, the proper method to adjust the shift cable is to disconnect the cable from the engine. Move the shift linkage on the engine to find the center of the play in neutral, and when found, leave it centered.

Now, grab the end of the shift cable sleeve, push and pull it to find the center of the play there, and center that play.

Adjust the trunion on the threaded portion of the shift cable so that the centered play of the cable lines up with the centered play of the engine's shift linkage. Install and lock the shift cable with the retaining clamp in that position. That's it.