1959 18 hp Evinrude won’t shift into F

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  • October 16, 2022 at 1:19 pm #267733
    bwanadon
    Participant

      US Member

      I’ve got an 18 Hp Evinrude that I recently bought. It shifted ok when I got it but each time I take it out it is harder to get it into F. It goes into R just fine but takes several tries to get it to engage into F. Each time I take it out it seems to be harder to engage the forward gear. Last time out I made it back to the dock in R.

      Is there an adjustment in the gear lever? Where do I start troubleshooting on this? I did check for a spun hub and it looked good.

       

      Bwana Don

      • This topic was modified 2 years, 8 months ago by bwanadon.
      October 16, 2022 at 4:18 pm #267744
      dave-bernard
      Participant

        US Member

        see if there is slop in the shift rod. take the side cover off to do this. they had a habit of coming loose under the power head.

        October 16, 2022 at 5:31 pm #267750
        sutterhome
        Participant

          CHECK HOW THE SHIFT LEVER IS ATTACHED TO ROD.. SOMETIMES THIS IS ADJUSTABLE

          October 16, 2022 at 7:07 pm #267759
          lindy46
          Participant

            Could be a loose connection in the shift rod connector, possibly a missing bolt. To shift into forward, the shift lever pulls up on the shift rods to engage the clutch dog with the forward gear. So gravity is working against shifting into forward. Remove the cover on the side of the leg and watch what happens when you shift gears. Both upper and lower shift rods must be firmly attached to the coupler with no play.

            October 17, 2022 at 7:57 am #267770
            fleetwin
            Participant

              US Member

              OK, I am asssuming you are not having trouble moving the shift lever into forward gear, but it just won’t stay there.  Is that correct?  If there is something limiting the movement of the shift lever, you should check the throttle interlock vertical rod.

              Unfortunately, I’m guessing that the shift lever moves easily and completely, it just doesn’t stay there.  Does the engine seem to clunk and jump when power is applied in forward gear?  If so, you probably have clutch dog issues.  Needless to say, this issue could have been caused by improperly adjusted/loose shift linkage, all of this should be checked before ripping anything apart.  Loose shift rod connector, improper fine adjustment on shift handle, messed up interlock, or a stiff/stuck shift handle that does not move freely are all areas to be checked.  I’m assuming this engine is not connected to remote controls.

              Unfortunately, once the issue is located and corrected, you will probably still have a clutch dog/gear jumping issue.  This is because the clutch dog/gear lugs have been rounded off due to constant jumping.  I sure hope I am wrong about most all of this, and that a simple adjustment will take care of this issue.  Good luck…

              October 17, 2022 at 8:59 am #267775
              Steve D
              Participant

                Also check if shift handle screw #38 and nut #35 are loose and star washer #37 is present between handle and lever.

                shift-handle-screw-and-nut

                • This reply was modified 2 years, 8 months ago by Steve D.
                • This reply was modified 2 years, 8 months ago by Steve D.
                October 17, 2022 at 11:35 am #267785
                dave-bernard
                Participant

                  US Member

                  #47 and screw are loose/worn.

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