Beta 20 stops

[nigelm]

When reverse is selected , starts & runs fine , select ahead no probs but move lever to neutral and want reverse and engine just stops - any ideas folks , it's not my boat but belongs to a mate who is not on here (yet) .
Cheers

 

[earlybird]

First thing I'd check is that the tick-over speed isn't too slow. 850 rpm is the recommended figure.
Presumably, the prop-shaft is free turning.

 

[NickNap]

As earlybird suggests check tickover speed first.

I had a problem with my Beta that sounds similar to your mate's. It mystified the engineer who supplied my engine when new and he contacted Beta. They suggested he check a spring that the fuel control stops against when you throttle right back, apparently the spring was allowing it back too far and shutting the fuel right off - only for a second, but enough to stop the engine when in neutral, but not when it was in gear as the momentum of the shaft etc kept it the engine moving just enough for the spring to do its job. As I recall he stretched the spring a bit.

I can't give a more accurate/technical description than that I'm afraid, but if tickover adjustment doesn't cure the problem it might be worth considering

 

[nigelm]

I had thought of the tick over but it goes in to forward just fine even to in gear on tick over but trying reverse it just stops , I'm thinking the fuel cutoff/ stop is being brought on somehow , need to get in there for a proper look ..

 

[pmagowan]

I actually had a similar problem and it came down to the fuel. For some reason the dirty fuel and clogged up pipes were ok when going forward but engaging reverse seemed to choke it. It also occasionally happened in forward. I did increase the idle speed a bit before I renewed the fuel lines. Since making sure she has clean fuel there has not been a bother. When I bought her the fuel tank was off an old lawn mower (tennis court style), full of rust and the filter was a very small thing which clogged up in seconds.