Evinrude 20 hp O/B will not shift to neutral

[dmyers]

I have recently purchased a boat and motor and had taken it out for a test drive. For the first 20 minutes the boat ran great started easily and all. After about 20 minutes the engine started to slow and loose power until all power was lost and the motor shut off. After it died I tried to get it started and noticed that gear shift seemed to be more difficult to change gears, infact it was just shifting between forward and reverse skipping neutral all togeather. The engine is an 1987 model. Any help would be greatly appreceiated. Thanks, Dave

 

[Solittle]

Re: Evinrude 20 hp O/B will not shift to neutral

You may have two seperate problems.<br /><br />The first problem that you describe fits a water pump/thermostats not working properly. Did it get hot?<br /><br />On the neutral - Have you checked the oil in the gearcase?<br /><br />Need to get the OMC manuals for your motor.

 

[dmyers]

Re: Evinrude 20 hp O/B will not shift to neutral

I do beleive the water pump is working fine, it does or at least did pee out water from the back of the motor. I believe this problem may be fuel related, clogged filter or line, just filled up prior to going out. <br /><br />On the neutral issue, do you speak of the lower unit oil? I have not check that but will do so this evening. <br /><br />As far as getting a manual, I have already been down that road, there are no identifying numbers on the engine anywhere. Plate had been removed and the freeze plug is not original. This motor seems to have a sorted past. The local boat yard mechanic dated the motor to 86' or 87' I ended up getting a Seloc manual for it. Thanks for the help, Dave