Motor shifting issues J

Scheidjr

Cadet
Joined
Mar 27, 2018
Messages
9
So I have a 1978 25hp evinrude that I just bought from someone. First time taking it out on the water I immediately noticed that it will momentarily jump from forward to neutral then back to forward in a split second at higher rpms. It’s enough to jolt my small boat around and I’m sure it is creating a world of problems for other parts of the motor. I have taken the lower unit off before so that shifter linkage in there has been disconnected and put back together. I have had to adjust it so that it shifts back and forth clean, and as far as I can tell it’s put together correctly but I can’t replicate all the different torque and vibration that comes with running it wide open. Wondering if anyone knows what the issue might be? At this point I assume it’s something more than just that little linkage connector, but don’t have enough knowledge of the inter workings of the shifting mechanism in the lower unit. One last bit of info, if I forcefully held the actual shifter handle forward it seemed to do it a lot less.
 

flyingscott

Fleet Admiral
Joined
Apr 8, 2014
Messages
8,293
Shift dog and maybe forward gear need t be replaced. It is a pretty common issue on those.
 

Scheidjr

Cadet
Joined
Mar 27, 2018
Messages
9
Thanks, could you elaborate a little just so I know what to look for as far as parts and what not?
 

flyingscott

Fleet Admiral
Joined
Apr 8, 2014
Messages
8,293
They are in the lower unit. Get a manual factory one is best. Nice thing is you have a 2 piece lower unit no special tools needed.
 

tblshur

Senior Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Aug 24, 2011
Messages
690
scheidjr , i think your shift shaft has a connector in it . that could be loose ,causing problems good luck:joyous:
 

Scheidjr

Cadet
Joined
Mar 27, 2018
Messages
9
Yeah so after tearing it all apart the forward gear/shift dog is pretty worn on their mating surfaces. Cheapest thing I could find was on eBay and it’s the forward/reverse and a few other parts that I don’t need for $175 anyone know of anything cheaper?
 

flyingscott

Fleet Admiral
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Apr 8, 2014
Messages
8,293
A brand new gear is $450 alone . https://www.ebay.com/itm/Johnson-Evi...1aOqmo&vxp=mtr.. This Is Phttps://www.ebay.com/itm/Johnson-Evinrude-RARE-3-jaw-Gearset-kit-0390974-390974-18-20-25-28-1960-up/302572362043?epid=13011713742&hash=item4672b7d93b:g:He4AAOSw~B1aOqmo&vxp=mtrricey But Probably Worth It especially if you are going to keep the motor. It has the 3 jaw gear and dogs which is way better than the 2 you have. a used gear set has a good chance of doing the same thing like I said it is a common problem. I personally would jump on this and enjoy that motor for years to come.
 
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lindy46

Captain
Joined
Nov 27, 2008
Messages
3,886
Go to AOMCI.org and post a free want ad. Someone there will have what you need for a lot cheaper price.
 
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