'86 25HP - Kicks when running

[Fly-Flicker]

I just purchased this motor used last week. It is very clean, has run great since I got it, and overall I have been very impressed with the shape of the motor.

Yesterday, after running it and fishing most of the day, I fired it up to head back to the launch and it started "kicking" on the transom. It wouldn't die but it almost felt as if it kept dropping out of gear for a 1/2 second. It seemed to happen more frequently at higher speeds, so I slowed it down the rest of the way home.

From the searching I've done, I'm desperately hoping it is not the "clutch dogs"? I'm a motor newbie and looking for any advice or help you all may be able to toss my way.

Thanks so much,
New boat owner from East Tennessee

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: '86 25HP - Kicks when running

clutch dog and forward gear going bad, or shift linkage out of adjustment.

 

[Fly-Flicker]

Re: '86 25HP - Kicks when running

How would I go about checking the shift linkage?

Also, I noticed the lean/rich arm had fallen out of the adjustment knob's hole. I guess that wouldn't cause this though?

Thanks!

 

[countvlad]

Re: '86 25HP - Kicks when running

How would I go about checking the shift linkage?

Also, I noticed the lean/rich arm had fallen out of the adjustment knob's hole. I guess that wouldn't cause this though?

Thanks!

how do you check the shift linkage? get a manual... trust me, you'll save a long of time and agony.....

lean/reach arm fallen.... theres no doubt in my mind that could also be the problem

 

[Fly-Flicker]

Re: '86 25HP - Kicks when running

I may get a chance to go run it around later tonight and see if the lean/rich thing fixed it. I'll let you know how it goes.

Y'all have a great website here, thanks for all the help so far!