i have a 1999 40 hp elpt, serial # OT016989. my problem started a while ago. i ran into some mud and the motor started to develope a knocking noise. i tore apart the lower unit and there was some dirt in it. cleaned it all out and back-flushed the motor, and the problem still persists. is there anything else that i can check that won't cost and arm and a leg!!! and will it be more harmful to keep running it this way for awhile. if i keep it under about 3000 rpm it runs fine, but if i gun it it stalls out but it restarts every time.
