1963 Evinrude 28hp

[Troutmaster]

So just picked up a 1963 Evinrude 28 horse cheap. Motor looks pretty clean given the age. Two problems I'm having. First thing I noticed was the shifter wouldn't budge out of neutral at all. Also has no spark. Figuring it was something in the lower unit that was stuck, I pulled the lower off it. The shift rod works and does what it's supposed to do on the lower unit. Shifter on the motor without lower unit on it still won't budge.So wondering what I'm missing, if there's a lockout keeping it from shifting and also if that's possibly the cause of my no spark before I pull the flywheel and start messing with points, condensers and coils. Thanks in advance for any help.

 

[fitz73222]

Make sure the engine is in the idle throttle position, then see if it will shift

 

[racerone]

Have you rotated the magneto plate to slowest idle position ??-----The magneto may require repairs.-----Not sure why you use the term ----" messing with points, condensers and coils" ----On this simple / reliable and well engineered motor.