25HP Evinrude 3 Cyl was able to start while in gear

[WhiteRice]

So had the boat out a few days ago and was wrapping up a fishing spot. I went to start my motor and when I pulled the cord, I guess I did not have the throttle control completely in the Neutral position. The flywheel made a clicking sound when I was pulling it (1 pull mind you) which I'm sure was normal for what was taking place but how concerned should I be that my motor fired up while in gear? Could this be a sign that the clutch dog is nearing it's end? The motor started fine the rest of the day.

 

[racerone]

?----Nothing to do with the clutch dog or the lower unit.

 

[bwkre]

Both my 76 & 61 will start in gear. Scared the crap out of me the first time I did it, the second time too! I've since adopted a procedure to follow, throttle off, check neutral, throttle to start, pull cord.

Think you will find that most older motors will start in gear. You just have to make a plan. Sorta like off loading your boat in the water, pulling it to shore and going to park the truck and trailer only to come back and find you forgot to put the plug in. I follow a set routine and do it myself regardless of the offers to help. I even have a sticker above my pull cord that says "NEUTRAL". And several stickers on the trailer that say " PUT THE PLUG IN" My kid thinks it's funny but it seems to work for me.

 

[oldboat1]

Does that shifter have lockout linkage connected? Might put it solidly in gear and try to start.

 

[WhiteRice]

This is the first time it's ever done that. I have mistakenly tried to pull it before while in gear and it felt like I was about to pull my arm out of socket. This time was much different but it could've been that it was just barely in gear. As to the lockout linkage... would that be the small mechanism that continues up to the outer rim of the flywheel? If so, then yes. It is there and engages when put into gear. .

 

[oldboat1]

That should be it. Sounds like all is well.

 

[WhiteRice]

Thanks Bwkre

And thanks Oldboat. I will just keep an eye on it. Just wanted to make sure I didn’t shred any sprockets. Not too worried about the starter since that’s just my arm