[bassscout]

I recently acquired a 1968 Evinrude 18 hp Fastwin. The motor runs great, starts on the first or second pull.However, it slips out of forward gear. It seems to do this more when a load is put on, it runs fine when planed out.I found that if i put it into reverse, i can go to netural then to forward and it will work. However it slips out often.What is the problem?Is this worth fixing?How tough is it the fix?Thanks

[Yepblaze]

There are parts in the lower unit gear housing that are failing. Shift dogs?If you can get it off and apart, discern which parts are bad, order up new parts, put it back together you'll have it "made in the shade"

[rolmops]

Hello.The first thing you should do is get yourself a manual.These machines are quite simple and with a manual all you do is check each part that has to do with shifting.One by one the simplest and cheapest first until you hit the problem.It may be an adjustment or a loose screw.Good luck.

[12Footer]

I think you have a sheared pin behind the prop. It may even look fine at first glance...Until you go to remove it,and find it is in three pieces.Couldn't hurt to check tho, as this is the part DESIGNED to fail,to protect the rest of the gear train.But if it doesn't come out in three pieces, you may have to pull the gearcase and check the shift dogs as Yepblaze sugested. Andd you'll need the book for that.

[bassscout]

It's not the pin. Somone mentioned that it may be the rod that goes from the shift lever to the gears is out of adjustment. I'll try that next.