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A Real Pain In The Gear
by
Steve Horsfall
I would like
to start by telling you how much I enjoy your column and Power Boating
Canada magazine. I have a 1999 boat (that is in immaculate condition
with minimum hours) which is powered by a 4.3L V6 MerCruiser I/O.
The problem is the engine stalls when shifting from forward to neutral
or shifting into reverse. This started during last summer's boating
season and is becoming more troublesome. The engine starts and runs
very smoothly and idle has been set to manufacturer's specifications.
In fact, I increased the idle slightly to see if this would eliminate
the stalling problem, but to no avail. I have been told there is
a kill switch that stops the engine in-between shifts which I think
might be the problem. Do you have any idea what would cause the
engine to stall? Is there an adjustment that can be made?
J. Rundle e-mail (e-mail)
The problem is probably a shift cable adjustment.
There is a kill switch designed to shut off the engine for just
a split second when shifting out of forward or reverse. This takes
the torque off the clutch dog and makes it easier to disengage from
the driven gear. Speeding up the idle will actually make the problem
worse.
This shift adjustment is a bit complicated and
should be repaired by a dealer mechanic - unless you have a factory
shop manual.
When the shift is adjusted properly, there should
be just a slight hesitation when shifting out of gear (like the
engine just missed a beat). The switch should not activate going
into forward or reverse. It should just activate when coming out
of gear. (Top)
Are Four Blades Better
Than Three?
I have purchased a 27-foot used boat that is powered by twin
188 horsepower MerCruisers. I have been told I can improve my cruising
gas consumption by using four-bladed propellers. Is this true? If
it is, I am currently spinning 14.5x17-inch three-bladed props.
Should I replace them with four-bladed props of the same size?
R. Watson (e-mail)
I doubt if you would ever recover the cost of
the four-bladed propellers with any increase in gas mileage. Four-bladed
props do not tend to shed weeds as effective as three-bladed units
- this is something to consider. If you decide to go with the four-bladed
props, stick with the same size or a one-inch less pitch.
All in the Cowling
I have an older 1982 60 hp Evinrude outboard on my fishing boat
and it runs just fine. A local backyard ÒtinkererÓ who knows my
motor offered to sell me a basket of parts he claims will fit my
motor. I don't need them but the price is right and will provide
a quick and inexpensive repair if something needs to be replaced.
I don't want to buy and store a bunch of parts that won't work with
my motor. However, the plate which displays the model number is
missing and the cowling colour schemes are different. Can you tell
if the parts will fit from the colour of the cowling on the motor?
J. McCarthy (e-mail)
I can't give you a definite answer to your question,
but I can give you some things to check. As far as the age of the
basket motor, most engines have the serial number stamped on the
engine block as well as on the tag on the transom bracket. Sometimes
it is stamped on the block itself or on a little silver disk (that
looks like a small frost plug). A missing serial number plate often
indicates a motor may have been stolen, so buyer beware!
Also, check to see if the gear shift actuation
is by remote control cable or by wire (electric). I think your engine
should be a control cable. If the basket engine uses an electric
shift, the lower unit gear housings will be different. Check the
ignition coils for similarity. Also check the starter motor mounting
brackets. If all these things check out, it will likely work, at
least for some parts.
My question is why is this engine in a basket?
There must be some major part of it that is damaged, so you can't
use this part anyway. Therefore, unless it is really cheap, I would
pass on the purchase.
(Got a question,
a problem, or do you need some info on elusive engine or boating
equipment? Drop me a line c/o Power Boating Canada, fax me at (613)
236-0700 or e-mail:
stephen.horsfall@sympatico.ca) (Top)
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