Gears Skipping?

**smythe302** · 09-08-2015, 12:16 PM

1976 Evinrude 85 on a Baja V1500

The first time out with this boat ever. I fixed the ignition that wouldn't work and now she runs decently, but...

under load such as getting on plane, or above 3/4 throttle... it skips HARD
it doesn't feel like an ignition skip as its pretty violent.
My guess is the lower hopping out of gear or maybe the prop hub slipping...

I didn't have time to test another prop, and that is easy enough to check out...

My question is about the lower, I haven't had it apart but I checked that it had good oil. Without taking it apart, I don't have a good idea
of how it works or what's likely bad. The diagram shows an oil pump and I'm guessing oil pressure holds it in gear?
Do those oil pumps fail frequently? is there some other part that is more likely the culprit?

Thanks if anyone has ideas or answers.

~Sean

**smythe302** · 09-08-2015, 04:31 PM

I'm thinking worn clutch dog and mating fwd gear. hooraayy.

**olboatman** · 09-08-2015, 05:32 PM

Originally Posted by smythe302

I'm thinking worn clutch dog and mating fwd gear. hooraayy.

Have had the same problem when the shifter dog doesn't push far enough into forward. Jumps in and out of gear. Gary

**Steve2ManyBoats** · 09-08-2015, 06:02 PM

Verify that the clutch dog is engaging completely IMMEDIATELY. Don't drive it around like that. If the clutch dog is not completely engaging and is in fact jumping in and out of gear, the edges of the clutch dog will round off very quickly and then it will never stay in gear no matter how you adjust the shift linkage.

Steve2ManyBoats

**EMDSAPMGR** · 09-08-2015, 06:23 PM

Perhaps the prior owner just replaced the impeller. May have mis-adjusted the shift rod to the lower unit. If you can't make the necessary adjustment on the top of the engine, you may want to pull the lower and recheck the shift rod height vs. the spec.

**Schramer** · 09-08-2015, 07:20 PM

Also the hydraulic assist is to aide in the actual shift into forward or reverse....not to hold it in gear

**smythe302** · 09-09-2015, 08:16 AM

Thank you for all of the responses!

It is somewhat of a relief to know that it could be an adjustment. I only had it out for a short time and babied it to try and prevent the issue, however, it did bang several times...
I'll pull the lower to check it. Does anyone know the spec for my engine? The only thing I could find was for a 135 stating "Thread the shift rod connector onto shift rod until seated, then back off two or more full turns until the offset faces forward. See figure 6-45."
anybody got figure 6-45 ? I may have it and will check.

Thanks again!

**mn808gade** · 09-09-2015, 01:59 PM

most times threading it halfway onto rod will be correct adjustment-th

**EMDSAPMGR** · 09-09-2015, 07:31 PM

Follow that spec.

**smythe302** · 09-22-2015, 09:11 AM

I have not pulled the lower yet to check it, but, I've been doing some "what if" in my head...
In the event that I can't fix it... how difficult would it be to convert to a 79+ lower?
I think the shifting is opposite, so I'd need the linkage from 79+
Does that linkage bolt right up? or is the block different?
Would I need a 79+ set of controls?
I only wonder because they're more available, as are parts...
I'm most likely going to touch up the dog gears and flame harden... if they're messed up
Thanks again for the help,
Sean

**Schramer** · 09-22-2015, 04:09 PM

I strictly run the hydraulic assist lowers cause there are more options for adjustment and the teeter totter system seems to work better, for me at least. If you really wanted to switch over to the newer style you would need the linkages for the shift rod, as it is reversed, and the newer style intake manifold. Plus a different case, of course.

**EMDSAPMGR** · 09-22-2015, 07:24 PM

You are in for some problems if you try to put a 79 lower on a 76. The drives shift backwards from each other. Also, the shift linkages under the bottom carbs are different. You might be able to put a 79 intake manifold and shift linkage on your 76, then use the 79 lower unit.

**smythe302** · 09-23-2015, 07:41 AM

different intake too... there's a pocket full of nope.
trying to get this going so I can sell

**racervboat** · 09-23-2015, 01:52 PM

More than likely its the clutch dog,but remember when the c/d teeth wear fordward gear teeth wear also this doubles the problem.If your selling this boat as you say you could get a complete lower on ebay for squat with buyer protection if you install correctly and it jumps out of gear also but not likely.p/s if you don't have the specialty tools you will never get that lower apart.