[Kilerdar]

I have a 1960 evinrude 18hp. I was out on the lake when i lost the Forward gear. If i Held the shifter Forward it would go forward i was told to adjust the shifter tryed that an still no forward gear but still have revers an Nutrual. tryed to take the Lower unit off but i dont know how to get the shifting rod off to drop it out. If anyone can help me or maybe tell me what they might think is wrong would be alot of help. this is the first Outboard motor i have had so i dont know much about them. thanks for the time an help.

[jbjennings]

There's an oval cover on the starboard side of the midsection that you take off to get to the shift rod disconnect. Be very careful when you reinstall that you get the groove in the rod matching with the hole in the connector before you install the bolt or it will rub off the bolt threads. It does sound like your adjustment is off, but it could be a connector problem or possibly a bent linkage. Better be careful you get the water tube back in the water pump housing upon reinstallation as well--common error.
Good luck,
JBJ