engine dies when transmission is engaged

[alloffroad]

I have a 1988 capri with an 85 hp force engine. It will start easily and idle smooth but when the transmission is engaged slowly it dies. Is it an electricle issue or just some tuning of the engine that is needed?

 

[Cap’n Ray]

Adjustment of the shift linkage and switches should solve that one. Probably find the necessary steps elsewhere on the forums or in a service manual if you have one. It's not a cake-walk, but not terribly difficult either.

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: engine dies when transmission is engaged



First off, NEVER engage the gears slowly. The lower unit is not a transmission but a drive dog system. Engaging gears slowly will cause the drive dogs to bang over each other (rattle) and wear prematurely. Correct method is to "snap" the control handle about 1/3 of the way forward or reverse. This will put the lower unit in gear without speeding up the engine.

Next: The most usual cause of stalling when put into gear is a too low idle speed. Correct idle speed should be between 700-750 RPM in forward gear, in the water. Too low an idle speed can be the result of something as simple as fouled spark plugs. SO: If this is a recent problem, the first thing you want to do is clean or change the plugs.

Then, if that doesn't help, check compression and that there is spark on all cylinders. If this is good, increase the idle speed by screwing in the idle stop screw on the timing tower. This is the slotted screw locked with a nut. Small adjustments here-- like 1/4 to 1/2 turn at a time then test engine in between.

 

[alloffroad]

Re: engine dies when transmission is engaged

Thanks guys for the info. Since The compression is good and the plugs are new I will try adjusting the idle. What can I use to run the engine in my driveway. I don't want to have water streaming down the street so the muffs wont do. Maybe a trash can cut down to fit.

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: engine dies when transmission is engaged

A trash can will do, but not for setting idle speed. It is a sure bet that as soon as you put it in gear, most of the water will blow out. Even if it does not blow out, the recirculating water will be aerated and you will not get a correct idle speed.

Setting it in the water is not difficult if you have a tach. There is only one nut to loosen and one screw to turn. Properly set, the lower unit should "clunk" mildly when engaged into gear. It will sound like a solid thunk, not a loud bang and no rattling.

You can try setting the idle in neutral to about 1000-1200 RPM. This may be close to correct idle speed in gear but depending upon the prop you are using, you will still need to adjust on the water.