1979 35 HP Evinrude shifting issues

[natehudek]

After I replaced the seals and rebuilt the water pump then reattached the lower unit I started it up for a test run. the prop moves when shift lever is in the neutral position and in the reverse position but not in forward. Any ideas? Other than removing the lower unit and rebuilding it? Original issue was water mixed with gear oil in lower unit and oil leaking out of the seam above the lower unit.

 

[bonz_d]

Re: 1979 35 HP Evinrude shifting issues

Not any help here though you seem to already understand that something wasn't put back together correctly or just may be out of adjustment. The only real way to correct it is to go back through what you already did and see if you can find the error. Sad I know but no other choice.

If you disassembled the lower unit did you use a manual? Have one? May be that the shift linkage is just out of adjustment.

 

[pockets24@yahoo.com]

Re: 1979 35 HP Evinrude shifting issues

There is an adjustment at the shifter lever. Loosen the center bolt in the shifter lever and the slotted screw that is attached to the linkage, you will notice that the linkage is slotted where the slotted screw is.. Once these are loose you can move the shifter lever either forward or backwards and re-tighten. It may take a few adjustment tries to get it just right but that is the problem, because if the shifter is out of sinc it causes the shifter dog (inside the foot) to not be centered and it will ride to much to either side and the prop will spin loosely until the shifter dog is centered and this is done by adjusting the shifter linkage.
But normally if the shifter linkage was correct when you took it off, it should be correct when you put it back on. Are you sure you got the shifter rod back in the connector all the way before you put the bolt back in it?