1963 Johnson 18HP Not Staying in Gear

[tylert4066]

Have a 63’ 18hp Johnson outboard that is new to me. The first time I took the motor out it was hopping out of gear. Since then I’ve replaced the dog clutch, forward gear, and shift shaft coupler and the motor still won’t stay in gear. I also made sure the shift shafts are located in the right spot on the coupler and adjusted the shift lever position to make sure it’s really in forward.

When I opened the lower unit the first time I noticed the shift fork was bent. I bent that back straight but I’m curious if that could be my issue. At this point I don’t know what to try next and am pretty frustrated.

Any help is appreciated!

Tyler

 

[racerone]

Tried another prop ?----Could be the rubber hub slipping.

 

[tylert4066]

I have a spare prop I haven’t tried yet. The hub looks ok but doesn’t mean it isn’t spinning.

 

[racerone]

If that is the prop you were using then try your other prop.

 

[tphoyt]

It may just be the camera angle but that prop doesn’t look okay from here.