Expert: Everett Peacock - 3/26/2008

Question
I bought this 19 foot aluminum boat and 40 hp Mariner motor had been sitting in storage for a number of years. I went through the motor with the basic tune up and maintenance.  It seemed to run OK but then I took it out for a test run I encountered a few problems... it started fine, then I idled out past the no wake zone, I opened it up to get it up on plane and then backed it off to about three quarters throttle.  It was running great, then after about 5 minutes the motor made a sound like it came out of gear (rpm's went way up and there was a clicking sound) and then the engine died.  At that point it was hard to start but eventually it started and I limped it back to the docks to check it out.  I couldn't find anything wrong so I took it back out for another run.  At that point it was running fine so I took it back out the water and went home.  A couple of weeks later my friend and I decided to take it out and go fishing.  Everything was fine until I opened it up and then the engine sounded like it came out of gear again and the the engine died.  This time it wouldn't start so we had to paddle it to shore.  We didn't want to chance it again so we just loaded it up and went home.  Once home I got it started, it ran a little rough but seemed to smooth out as it warmed up.  I think the controls are not set up properly or perhaps they're shot, I'm not sure but something is wrong and I'm running out of ideas... next step could be to take it to a shop... they want $75 to diagnose the problem.  Any thoughts...

Answer
If the engine has been sitting that length of time then the carbs must have been empty..check your shift cable adjustments. with the engine off and trimed up put the control in forward, go to the prop and see if it will turn, go both ways it may one way and not the other.  Then put it in reverse and do the same thing.. do they feel the same?? If the engine comes out of gear then the rev limiter would have to cutt it off or it would blow up.  If it cut off while underway,  then the water pressure for a while would keep the prop spinning ( maybe thats the clicking.)..also make sure the porp is prop hub isn't slipping... You also want to make sure it is pumping water...