problems engaging into drive

[tejasdiablo]

I have a 1976 85 Hp evinrude. Just recently it doesn't seem to want to fully engage into drive. I have no problems and full power with reverse. But once it engages drive I can give it full throttle and maybe get headway speed. There is no shaking or odd noises other than random surges in power.

After a few minutes the other day it just randomly woke up and ran great but not it will not. When in neutral the engine is full of power....just not in drive.

I changed gear oil. Checked plugs and all seems to be good. Any help will be appreciated. I'm planning on pulling the lower unit this week but would like some advice before I do so. I have never gone this far into a repair yet :/

I'm located just north of San Antonio so if anyone is bored and wants to teach me I'll be glad to trade fishing/ bow fishing trip for your troubles. Please help

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: problems engaging into drive

Welcome to iboats.

You either have a carb problem (need a deep cleaning) or an ignition problem. A V4 will rev up and sound fine on 2 cylinders but will lack power.

You should get a timing light or a spark tester and check the spark on each individual plug. The spark should be good and strong. A lack of spark or weak spark could be a coil problem or even deeper.....a powerpack problem.

Probably the best investment you can make is in a OEM shop manual. They are not cheap but absolutely worth it for troubleshooting and repairs. Boat Repair Manuals, Videos & Charts.

Read through these section of the forum and you will see MANY people with similar past problems and how it worked out for them.

 

[itsaboattime]

Re: problems engaging into drive

Welcome to iboats.

You either have a carb problem (need a deep cleaning) or an ignition problem. A V4 will rev up and sound fine on 2 cylinders but will lack power.

You should get a timing light or a spark tester and check the spark on each individual plug. The spark should be good and strong. A lack of spark or weak spark could be a coil problem or even deeper.....a powerpack problem.

Probably the best investment you can make is in a OEM shop manual. They are not cheap but absolutely worth it for troubleshooting and repairs. Boat Repair Manuals, Videos & Charts.

Read through these section of the forum and you will see MANY people with similar past problems and how it worked out for them.

^^^^What he said^^^^

 

[phillnjack2]

Re: problems engaging into drive

as above ++++

 

[tejasdiablo]

Re: problems engaging into drive

Thanks guys, that's the first reasonable answer I've got so far. I have ordered the Manuel just waiting for it. And already intended on changing plugs. If that doesn't do it then I'll continue with the list provided.
The boat and water are my therapy....if I loose it, it will be very rough around these parts lol.
Thank y'all so much I'll keep y'all posted!

 

[tejasdiablo]

Re: problems engaging into drive

Ok here's the update...its hard doing some this by my self but I pulled the plugs and the left side from back of.boat are bone dry while the right side are wet after a few cranks. I'm guessing I'm getting fire on the left 2. Just waiting on my buddy to come give me a hand since I can't watch and crank. But all and all plugs and gap look good. If it is "packs or coils" not sure what to call them I'm still Learning about boats. How can I test and eliminate problems. Or will the spark test answer that question. Or am I wrong all the way around!?

 

[emdsapmgr]

Re: problems engaging into drive

I'd agree with your assumption. Probably no spark to the starboard plugs. You can confirm this by using a spark checker, or an inductive timing light. Either will show condition of the spark on each plug when you crank the engine. Unlikely the two starboard spark plug coils are bad-all of a sudden, so I'd plan on checking the other ignition components. The factory service manual does not have the best ignition troubleshooting info in these early crossflow years. (most of their tests are by ohmmeter.) You can check out the ignition troubleshooting section of this website: cdielectronics.com They have some solid cranking voltage outputs-which you can compare with oututs on your engine. (you will need a special "peak-reading" voltmeter, however) Also, that engine needs to crank at least 250 rpm's in order to fire the ignition system, so make sure the battery is well charged.

 

[boobie]

Re: problems engaging into drive

Emds, what do you call early cross flow years ??

 

[emdsapmgr]

Re: problems engaging into drive

71 through at least 79. By 1986, (in my humble opinion) the factory ignition troubleshooting was much improved.

 

[boobie]

Re: problems engaging into drive

I've got trouble shooting procedures that start out in 1967 with the battery ignition systems and go all the way to 1980 with the mag cd. Picked them up in service schools years ago. Used them for quite a few years. They show using the neon tester and the peak reading volt meter.

 

[crestlinermusky]

Re: problems engaging into drive

HI THERE, I have a 1975 Evinrude 115. Here is something to check. Where the shift rod comes up from the foot underneath the carburators there is a linkage pin with a nylon spacer on it. If the spacer is missing the motor will not engage into drive properly but will run, reverse will be fine just forward will be affected

I have a 1976 85 Hp evinrude. Just recently it doesn't seem to want to fully engage into drive. I have no problems and full power with reverse. But once it engages drive I can give it full throttle and maybe get headway speed. There is no shaking or odd noises other than random surges in power.

After a few minutes the other day it just randomly woke up and ran great but not it will not. When in neutral the engine is full of power....just not in drive.

I changed gear oil. Checked plugs and all seems to be good. Any help will be appreciated. I'm planning on pulling the lower unit this week but would like some advice before I do so. I have never gone this far into a repair yet :/

I'm located just north of San Antonio so if anyone is bored and wants to teach me I'll be glad to trade fishing/ bow fishing trip for your troubles. Please help

 

[tejasdiablo]

Re: problems engaging into drive

You folks are wonderful. I'm pretty savvy with most things. Just need a little push in the right direction. I do have access to most of the meters required just depends on my bosses mood that day lol.

And I have checked the linkage, thank you for that tip. It was one of the first things I checked since the engine sounded like ot was ok :/

Ok guys well looks like I have some.work to do this weekend thank you all so much. You may save my lil boat.....the wife wants to sell it!!!