Model 200, 20HP low RPMs in forward gear

[james4639]

1976 Model 200, 20 HP. I bought this motor a few months ago, changed the impeller, tested in tank and put in lake for first time today. RPMs in forward gear at full throttle were very low and boat would only go appx. 5 MPH, but ran very smoothly. On the only occasion that I needed to use reverse gear, not only did it not go into reverse gear, but the RPMs increased greatly. My guess is that I possibly put the gear selector wrong when I replaced the lower unit after the impeller change. But if so, why does neutral and forward work properly. And could that cause the low RPM in forward and the high RPM in reverse? I would appreciate any ideas as to how to fix.
Thanks, James

 

[Laddies]

Re: Model 200, 20HP low RPMs in forward gear

The unit is in right. If the thottle linkage is working right you could have a engine thats only running on 1 cyl. or a dirty carb.

 

[james4639]

Re: Model 200, 20HP low RPMs in forward gear

Thanks Laddie for the quick reply. Why the high RPMs in reverse, even though the reverse gear didn't catch?

 

[Laddies]

Re: Model 200, 20HP low RPMs in forward gear

Sorry I didn't read the part about not going into rev right. Under those circumstance yes your first thought was right drop the lower unit put both the engine and unit in rev gear and reassemble. Sorry about the bad advice the first answer.