Proper shift linkage adjustment 1972 18 hp Evinrude

[Randy in Tampa]

Flip the clutch dog around see if it still slips out of gear if it doesn’t then It was your clutch dog and you need a new one or you could just leave that one like that and have it jump out of gear in reverse 😉

[vintin]

quote Richard A. White:

I guess with the detent…how the heck can it pop out??

Easy.

With the faces of the dog and gear slightly beveled applied torque causes them to slide away from each other overcoming the detents’ ability to hold them together.

The detent doesn’t really do much to hold the dog in place anyway.

It is important to have the detent set so the dog face that is perpendicular to the prop shaft is pushed firmly up against the gear face that is also perpendicular to the prop shaft. When this is set correctly and the gear shift is in forward and the prop is rocked backwards and forwards a slight friction is felt. This is how it is assured that the dog is fully pushed into the gear and their two surfaces have as much contact to each other as possible.

On some of these motors the forward and reverse gears can be swapped if the bushing inserts are moved one to the other. The reverse gear almost always shows less wear. Along with reversing the shift dog this may be a fix that would work for you.

Bear in mind that this is my current understanding of how this system works and am seeking a more complete understanding.

[johnyrude200]

I actually just dealt with the same situation, except it was a 1974 25hp, which is essentially the same gearcase. I installed a detent ball equipped prop shaft, nearly new clutch dog, and even went so far as to replace the forward gear with a good used one that had little wear.

It took cheating the ‘sweep’ on the shift lever nearly all the way toward forward gear to stop it from jumping out, and I had it so far forward that to get into reverse you have to really slap the shifter back. I pulled that gearcase apart 5 times trying to figure that one out. The clutch cradle and fork both looked good.

The shifter lock was tight to the shift lever through all 3 points, it had that good ‘snap’ feeling to it. This motor I pulled the powerhead on to replace a broken shift lever stud, so I know the upper linkage was in good shape with no slop.

My opinion is these gearsets are not very forgiving, the lugs are shallow and there’s only 2 of them. It doesn’t take much wear to start to cause slippage.

[RICHARD A. WHITE]

Alrighty then, apart she come again…lol

Being a toolmaker I can, but SHOULD I try to machine the gear to remove the wear, would only need .02 max removed. I have a mill and plenty of carbide cutters.

Thanks

http://www.richardsoutboardtools.com
classicomctools@gmail.com

[johnyrude200]

I’ve been holding onto worn clutch dogs for the same reason, if you can include a picture or two of the tools you’re using it would be helpful. I was thinking a belt sander/grinder would make quick work of a worn edge if you have a steady hand. I’ve tried using hand files before but that takes forever and patience.

[fisherman6]

Richard, I would set it up in the mill and remove the wear. I’m not sure of the depth of hardness on these gearsets but I’d think you would still be fine taking 0.020" off to clean it up. My Super Fastwin pops out of reverse and it seems like it’s only and adjustment thing, but it may turn out to be similar to your situation. It may be that the gears and clutch dog have already been flipped in mine and causing the issue in reverse. If I end up pulling the gearcase apart and fund it to be worn and causing it to jump out, I believe I’ll try machining mine too. My selection of carbide cutters is limited, but I can come up with one to do this job if / when I need it. If you do end up machining the clutch faces, report back with the results.
-Ben

OldJohnnyRude on YouTube

[frankr]

The detent is nowhere near strong enough to hold it in gear if the dog and gear is worn. I admit your gears do look pretty good. Well the one might show a little wear

[RICHARD A. WHITE]

Thanks for ALL the advice and help, owner just messaged me and advised he has fallen and broken his wrist 🙁
asked if anyone has a 15 hp electric start the would trade for his 18 electric start… how can one expect to trade a non functioning outboard for a functioning one? and figure it is an even trade?????

Oh well… back to work..

http://www.richardsoutboardtools.com
classicomctools@gmail.com

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