On Sat, 07 Apr 2007 20:36:27 GMT, "Jim" wrote:

The fact that the engine doesn't stumble makes me think he has an electrical
problem. I believe there are 2 or 3 micro switches that cause the ECM, if
that's the proper term, to make the engine fire on half the cylinders. It
should be possible to check these components without actually having to
shift the drive. Cable or stern drive component problems would probably
cause things like falling out of gear, failing to go into gear, clutch
grinding etc.

Good points.