I have a long shaft 5 hp Tohatsu M5A2-S, late '70s, with F-N-R. It's a solid engine and ninety percent of the time it works so-so, but lately it doesn't shift all the time, just kind of rumbles and grinds when I try to put it in gear. If I jiggle the shift lever back and forth a few times it usually decides to get into gear, then it works okay for a while. (I say "okay" because the carb is perpetually clogging and the motor surges and sputters and dies, but that's another story. The carb's been cleaned, but it may need rebuilding.)<br /><br />Any suggestions for an outboard for which no spare parts are available? I'm no mechanic but am willing to try basic repair. I need something fairly dependable for my sailboat, but a new longshaft isn't in the budget. THANKS!<br /><br />Bob Elmer
