Evinrude 35hp ~ 1978~ cannot find neutral

[jwb]

35hp, 1978 Evinrude has been sitting for 3-4 years. I changed the plugs, cleaned the carb and greased all the fittings. When I attempted to start it for the first time it turned over but the shaft is spinning. Made sure the handle was in neutral several times. Each other attempt the water in the barrel churns like heck. I only let it run a minute or so before shutting down as I know very little about the motor but know it should be started in neutral. Please help..Thanks Jim

 

[clanton]

Re: Evinrude 35hp ~ 1978~ cannot find neutral

ENGINE OFF, in neutral, can you turn prop by hand without flywheel turning?

 

[jwb]

Re: Evinrude 35hp ~ 1978~ cannot find neutral

Yes, I can turn the prop while in the neutral position and the flywheel does not turn...Thanks for such a quick reply. Jim

 

[clanton]

Re: Evinrude 35hp ~ 1978~ cannot find neutral

The oil drags the prop shaft and it will turn. Maby the exhaust was blowing thw water out of barrel

 

[Walter]

Re: Evinrude 35hp ~ 1978~ cannot find neutral

Taking off on what Clanton is saying, put it in neutral and start it in the barrel then shift it into gear. You didn't mention that you actually put it into gear...only that you ensured it was in neutral. With the engine idling in neut...when you put it into gear...you should hear the gears engage and the engine rpm drop slightly. When doing this, see if the water REALLY begins to churn... Walt

 

[jwb]

Re: Evinrude 35hp ~ 1978~ cannot find neutral

Clanton and Walter: Thanks... I'll give a another test tomorrow based on your information... Thanks again and have a good night. Jim

 

[jwb]

Re: Evinrude 35hp ~ 1978~ cannot find neutral

Clanton and Walter: Quess I had neutral all along. Shaft spun by hand in neutral and didn't in forward and reverse. Must have been the exhaust churning the water. I didn't think the water would churn as it did by being in neutral.<br />Well, I got one problem solved - on to the next. I can only keep it running with the choke all the way out. Made numerous attempts at adjusting the lean/rich screw. Came close a few times but it eventually sputtered and died.... Is it time I had it serviced? Should I post a new problem? Jim