Evinrude engine question

[fpritchard]

Hello all. I currently bought a 89 seafarer22 with a 2003 evinrude ficht 225 direct injection. The boat hasn’t been ran in over 2 years. Replace all wiring, gauges, etc. changed all filters, spark plugs and emptied the fuel tank of about 80 gallons of gas. Changed the water pump. Had a hard time getting the shift rod back into place but managed to square that away also. Took a while for the engine to start but when it did it seemed to run perfectly. Idles at around 600 and sounded strong. Went from neutral to forward with no problem at all and then back to neutral a few times. As soon as I try to put it in Reverse from neutral the engines stops running. Doesn’t matter if I try to engage reverse fast or ease it in. Stalls every time. I have been reading that possibly the cause may be the shift interrupt switch. Any thoughts and also is there a way to test the switch. Thanks in advance.

 

[DennisG01]

It may not be the actual switch itself. Instead, it could be the assembly/contraption that activates the switch. Locate your switch, then observe while someone shifts. May need to be adjusted (or the the shift throw).

 

[fpritchard]

Thanks for the response. I’m not sure what you mean by contraption that activates the switch. Also seeing a check engine warning. Would my issue also cause a check engine alarm. ?

 

[Punch53]

The shift interrupt switch is visible under the cowl but I'm leaning towards the shift shaft and seal where the shift shaft enters the lower unit. Any corrosion there will ruin your day.

 

[DennisG01]

"Contraption"... I'm not sure of the right name, either. But go and look at your shift interrupt switch - it will be obvious.

Whether or not this will cause an CEL, I don't know - depends on if the computer is monitoring this switch. Or, it could be something else. Have you read the code? Then you'll know - or at least it will narrow things down. Did you purchase a Service Manual (good idea if you're planning on doing your own work)? You might find some helpful info in there.

 

[fpritchard]

Once again thank you for the responses. Dropping the lower unit sometime this week. Will check the shift shaft seal and also the shaft height. May have inadvertently changed the height when replacing the water pump. Thanks again all.

 

[DennisG01]

Unless you NEED to drop the lower for a specific reason, why do that instead of first checking the shift switch?

 

[fpritchard]

I didn’t really inspect the shaft seal when I replaced the water pump. It’s not in the slip yet and I have the time and the facility to do it so I figure no harm no foul by taking a second look. Pretty new to boat engine repair. Thanks for the input. Trying to sponge in all the info/advice I can get.

 

[fpritchard]

Just a quick thanks for the help. Adjusted the shift rod to the correct height and problems solved. Running well.