reversing gear

[julesjr]

My atomic-4 is 1978 vintage. Works fine in neutral and reverse, but forward stalls the engine to about 50 rpm, and throttle has no effect. I have adjusted the notched wheel as instructed, but no change in symptoms. (i've maintained atomic-4's for 30 years
and never encountered this problem. Julesjr. New orleans

[Don Moyer]

Julesjr,

Except for one case almost 12 years ago where a local mechanic succeeded in getting the reverse brake band adjustment so tight that going into forward was like trying to go into forward and reverse at the same time; these loss of power episodes in forward never turn out to be a problem within the reversing gear. The problem usually turns out to be something wrapped around the prop shaft or something done during recent maintenance (out of sequence plug wire, etc).

Don

[julesjr]

Thank you, Don. The prop is not fouled...I can turn the shaft in neutral and hear the folding blades open & close. The firing sequence must be o.k. because reverse powers up to its normal rpm under load. The reversing band is free in neutral. Oil level is at full. Any other thoughts or speculation ?
Jules

[Don Moyer]

Only to say that when someone says: "it can't be this, or it can't be that", it usually turns out to be one of those things.

Don