Re: 2005 Enenrude fict jumping in and out of forward gear
If it is jumping out of gear when there is a load on the motor, then it is probably a shift rod adjustment or clutch dog issue. In the lower unit, there is a part called the clutch dog, which transfers power from the forward/reverse gear to the prop shaft. There are two ears on each forward and reverse gear, and two ears on each side of the clutch dog. These ears engage each other and are held together by friction. When the ears wear out, the edges become rounded and will no longer stay engaged. The clutch dog will then kick back into neutral when the force being put on the motor is more than the clutch dog/forward gear ears can handle. You will have to remove the lower unit and visually inspect to confirm that this is the problem. Sometimes it is fixed by adjusting the shift rod, and sometimes can be fixed by flipping the clutch dog around. You may need a new clutch dog. Worst case scenario, you will have to replace the clutch dog, and forward gear which can get pricey fast. If the parts aren't worn that badly, you can flip the clutch dog and have the ears on the forward gear machined so that they are 90 degrees again. Hope everything works out well for you.
