50 hp mercury seems to slip

[kpal551]

I have a 1975 Mercury 50hp outboard that I am having problems with. I can get almost to plane speed and the prop seems to slip and the engine winds out. I played with it and I can't get reverse either and the shifter got stuck in reverse and it won't go back to neutral now ???<br />Please give me any ideas to help me fix it I really want to use this boat I just bought it used and hope it is nothing too serious.<br /><br />Please help

 

[merc_500]

Re: 50 hp mercury seems to slip

i am having a similar problem, there are 2 shifter adjustments cables on the left side of the motor, try tinkering with those alittle maybe they are pulling it out of gear once the motor winds up?

 

[c-ya]

Re: 50 hp mercury seems to slip

sounds like a ventilation problem..make sure the ventilation plate is about even with the bottom of the transom..you don't have a short shaft on a 20" transom do you?..do a search on the forums and they will cover this subject..