Re: 69 Evinrude 25hp only starts in gear
Like tashasdaddy said you'll need a manual to do it. But just for explanation....
Unlike say a lawn mower, instead of having controls that connect directly to the throttle, these old outboards do it a little different. The whole magneto rotates which advances the timing AND actuates the throttle by way of a cam/follower system that's part of the magneto assembly as it rotates. So in essence, doing the sync and link means you're setting up the starting point for when the throttle begins to open.
You'll need the manual because it'll explain exactly where that point is for your engine.
As you've probably noticed, you can only advance the timing (and thus open the throttle) only so far with the engine in neutral. Putting it in gear disengages the lock allowing it to be turned further. This could give you enough gas to run, but you'll run poorly because you're not using the correct amount of fuel for what number of degrees of timing advance you're at.
Disclaimer: I am by no means an expert, but this the way I understand it. d
