1982 15 hp Evinrude pops out of gear when slowing down

[BF]

Hi all... long time, no post.

My trusty 15 hp has started having an issue. It still runs great, but when slowing down (coming off plane), the motor consistently pops into neutral. It doesn't quit, and you can pop it back into FWD without a problem, but obviously something is not right. FYI, aside from changing the gear oil and doing impeller changes, I've never needed to do anything with the lower unit. I wonder whether it might be a sign of a worn clutch dog (?)... If so, I"m not sure if it would be reversible on these 80's motors... Anyone know? Or have a better idea what might be happening?

I had thought it might be related to the water exerting a force on the prop when the engine is not providing torque to the gears/clutch.. (?) but that's a WAG. (=wild a $ $ guess) Other thoughts?
Thanks in advance....

 

[flyingscott]

Did the shift shaft get spun out during any of these impeller changes? Brass coupler not seated correctly?

 

[racerone]

It likely wants to jump into neutral at speed.----But the interlock prevents that.----Time to investigate.----On many motors the clutch dog only goes one way.----Big $$$ for parts.-----Lots available used.---Your location ?

 

[kbait]

Detent hook end not broken off? #35
slight phase adjust on #42 could help.
strange to pop out while decelerating..

https://www.marineengine.com/parts/evinrude-johnson-parts-diagrams/JOHNSON/44078.gif

 

[BF]

Thanks for the responses... I've been traveling so haven't had a chance to follow up or investigate further. I'll check out the specific suggestions (#35 and 42) next time I can get out to it. FYI, I'm in Winnipeg Canada, but cottage (and boat stuff) is 2 1/2 hours away, north of Kenora Ontario.

I don't think it's related to the shift linkage or brass connector. All was fine after the last impeller change. I don't think I used this motor last season at all.... I just put it on a spare boat this spring, and it came up with this new issue. It has always had a bit of a whacky aspect to the throttle/gear change interlock mech. In neutral, if you adjust the throttle as high as it will go, it barely bumps up the idle. The engine still starts fine like that even when cold, but I've thought either the interlock system, or timing advance must be a bit out of adjustment. It's been that way since I first got this motor (well used) about 15 years ago. Finally time to get into it I guess!

Thanks again...

 

[flyingscott]

Thanks for the responses... I've been traveling so haven't had a chance to follow up or investigate further. I'll check out the specific suggestions (#35 and 42) next time I can get out to it. FYI, I'm in Winnipeg Canada, but cottage (and boat stuff) is 2 1/2 hours away, north of Kenora Ontario.

I don't think it's related to the shift linkage or brass connector. All was fine after the last impeller change. I don't think I used this motor last season at all.... I just put it on a spare boat this spring, and it came up with this new issue. It has always had a bit of a whacky aspect to the throttle/gear change interlock mech. In neutral, if you adjust the throttle as high as it will go, it barely bumps up the idle. The engine still starts fine like that even when cold, but I've thought either the interlock system, or timing advance must be a bit out of adjustment. It's been that way since I first got this motor (well used) about 15 years ago. Finally time to get into it I guess!

Thanks again...

That's sounds normal