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

 

[racerone]

Re: problems engaging into drive

In nuetral the motor is not " full of power " it only sounds that way to you.--------Start with a compression test on this motor.---Then do a proper spark test on it.-The ignition was built and engineered to be able to jump a gaop of 3/8" or more with ease.-Test and see if it will do that on all 4 cylinders.-----It may also be a problem with the hub inside the prop slippping.

 

[tejasdiablo]

Re: problems engaging into drive

Forgive me for the typo. What I meant is....when the engine is not under load and not engaged in drive or reverse you can throttle it up and it "seems" to be full of power.

 

[boobie]

Re: problems engaging into drive

Do cylinder drop test on it to see if it's firing on all the cylinders.