Evinrude reverse problem

[casey344]

Goes into forward seems to run fine, when put in reverse I hear it go into gear and then it stops (ie: engine dies).

Any ideas? Can we cause more damage running it in forward only until we can get it fixed?

[Sea Tow Ethan]

The same thing happens to one of my 2004 Ficht 150s. From what I understand it may be simply a symptom of the shift linkage needing adjustment. The adjustment is made at the end of the shift cable inside the engine cowling. I haven't done the adjustment yet so I'm just reporting what I've been told.

.ethan

[j-d]

If the only problem is that the engine stalls, continuing to run the boat shouldn't be a problem. If the gears are grinding (ratcheting sound) then the shifter dog is trying to engage and for some reason cannot, then the metal is being worn off and eventually it will not hold gear. Always make the move from N to either F or R firm and fast, snappy. If it won't go, fix it.

[Whaler27]

I believe that there is a shift interrupt circuit that temporarily cuts off the spark to one bank of cylinders to smooth the transition shifting from N to R or N to F. If the shift linkage is not adjusted properly, the shift interrupt circuit may be remaining closed, instead of opening as it should after the transition, when the motor gear is shifted into reverse causing the motor to stall because not all cylinders are firing. In some cases, this can be remedied by adjusting the shift linkage. Alternatively, there may be a problem with the shift interrupt circuit itself.

[casey344]

Thank you for all your suggestions.

Found the problem, had a rope tangled around the prop that somehow allowed it to move forward but not in reverse. Learn something new everyday.