Couldn’t pass up a good deal on a ’59 Evinrude 18hp “Golden Jubilee”… So, I’m going through the motor getting things in good running shape. Got the ignition going strong, then proceeded to rebuild the carb. Upon installation of the carb, I’ve run into an impasse trying to set the throttle/ignition synchronization.

On this motor the brass linkage rod connecting the throttle to the roller arm had a bend in it. Not seeing any other means of adjustment, I bent to rod so the roller lined up properly with the ignition cam plate mark. After doing this, I realized the throttle wouldn’t open fully at full throttle position.

So, I proceeded to research on the internet. I came across a video of a ’59 18hp that had a slot on the ignition cam plate. I thought, OK, this is how it’s done. However, after looking at mine, I don’t have this slot. So… I’m very perplexed at this point. Other similar outboards of this vintage also seem to not have the bend in the throttle/roller brass linkage rod. Something here seems amiss.

Any help is greatly appreciated. Thanks.