1957 Evinrude Lark 35

[fishdady]

I have a '57 lark. problem I'm having is when the engine is running. it doesn't go completely in gear, forward or reverse. I shift it into forward, it won't go completely in gear untill I manaually push the shift arm (on the engine) forward Same thing happens when I put it in reverse. It's almost like the shift cable is to short. Anyone have any thoughts? Is it the clutch dog, or shift cable, or is there another adjustment I'm unaware of. When I do shift it, manually, it goes in gear and stays. Thanks in advance for any help, Chuck

 

[Chinewalker]

Re: 1957 Evinrude Lark 35

What do you have for a control box? Some boxes have more throw than others....

 

[HighTrim]

Re: 1957 Evinrude Lark 35

Another possiblility is worn cable.

 

[fishdady]

Re: 1957 Evinrude Lark 35

Everything is original to the engine, that is control box, electrics everything. I should have said that I tried to adjust the cable, at the engine. I just replaced the water pump (impeller). It had acted-up before, but, it seems worse. I've checked the shift-rod connecter and everything seems fine. The only other thing I did was put a new driveshaft seal in it and I can't see how that would do anything. Is there an adjustment inside the control box? This engine is on a '57 Lyman and is all original as it was my grandfathers boat he bought new.

 

[Chinewalker]

Re: 1957 Evinrude Lark 35

Got a pic of the shift side of the motor showing the linkages?

 

[HighTrim]

Re: 1957 Evinrude Lark 35

The fact that it equally wont go into gear in both forward and reverse, and the fact that nothing else has changed as in a new contol box, I am still leaning towards the cable being shot.

 

[F_R]

Re: 1957 Evinrude Lark 35

Always make sure the motor is ok first. Only then should you move on to the remote control. From what you seem to be saying, the motor shifts ok without the cable, right? If that is a true statement, unless the shifter handle on the motor is loose, you have a control problem. One thing I've seen many times is a cable that has broken where the ends attach, and the guy just reinstalled the end on the broken inner wire. That just does not get it. It won't have enough travel. Replace the cable if the inner wire has broken..

 

[nwcove]

Re: 1957 Evinrude Lark 35

jmo, but as the op stated, the whole setup is original to the boat/motor. its probably time to inspect the control box,and replace the control cables and the steering cables/pulleys .

 

[fishdady]

Re: 1957 Evinrude Lark 35

OK First off let me tell you guys how much I appreciate the help, now, I went at it again, the shifter moves the shifter on the engine, but doesn't completely engage into forward and/or reverse. I disconnected the cable from the engine and still get it to go in reverse, but, forward I can get it to go in gear and hold it and it stays. I will check to see if the cable is broke (I assume by pulling on the cable proper after I take it loose) I will need some help, in posting pictures, when I take some of shifter arm, on the engine. Once again, I appreciate the help, Chuck

 

[Bigkat650]

Re: 1957 Evinrude Lark 35

I have the exact same motor and near identical problem. Long story short, a new to me 59 alumacraft with a 57 Evinrude Lark. The motor runs great, however I have issues with it shifting into forward and reverse gears. My understanding is that the previous owner of the boat accidently ran it aground. When I purchased the motor (for $75 bucks as a parts motor), It ran so well I decided to make it the primary motor on the boat. Luckily I do have a 58 Johnson 35hp as well which was the original motor I was going to use on the boat. The lark has electric start and better compression, which is why I chose it over the Johnson. Im going to try using the leg of the Johnson on the Evinrude once I get the tarp off the boat and see if I still have the same issues shifting into gear. I am not sure if mine is cable related of if its in the motor itself. I'll check in to see if you find any answers and I'll post what I find out from mine.

 

[Willyclay]

Re: 1957 Evinrude Lark 35

Here's a link to the OEM remote control instructions issued by OMC. Maybe something in this will help. Good luck!

http://www.duckworksmagazine.com/03/columns/max/04/drawing.gif

 

[Chinewalker]

Re: 1957 Evinrude Lark 35

One item that can add distance to the throw is the shift cradle, inside the lower unit. If it is worn, it will eat up some of the movement when shifting. It is an aluminum piece, riding in a steel groove on the shift dog, so it takes the wear if there is water in the lower unit. You mentioned a driveshaft seal, so it appears you have had some water in the unit issue. Might be worth checking out if all of the easy stuff passes muster...

 

[F_R]

Re: 1957 Evinrude Lark 35

OK First off let me tell you guys how much I appreciate the help, now, I went at it again, the shifter moves the shifter on the engine, but doesn't completely engage into forward and/or reverse. I disconnected the cable from the engine and still get it to go in reverse, but, forward I can get it to go in gear and hold it and it stays. I will check to see if the cable is broke (I assume by pulling on the cable proper after I take it loose) I will need some help, in posting pictures, when I take some of shifter arm, on the engine. Once again, I appreciate the help, Chuck

OK, the wording of this reply makes me think maybe there is some slop in the motor's shift linkage. It should snap into both gears and stay there at all speeds without "holding" it. We can guess all day but here are some things to check.

The shift shaft where it goes through the exhaust housing. They wore badly. See if you have significant up and down movement to the handle. Not speaking of fore & aft, but up and down. Should be reasonably snug. If excessive, you never will get full travel of the shift rod.

The inner shift lever (clevis) on the inner end of that shift shaft, inside the exhaust housing. Famous for coming loose. Sorry, but if that has happened, it's off with the powerhead to fix it. Remove the oval shift rod connector port from the side of the exhaust housing and observe the shift rod as you move the shifter handle. When you move the handle, the rod should move, with no delay or slop. You can also attempt to move the rod up and down without moving the handle. It shouldn't move significantly.

Stuff in the lower unit, like the cradle already mentioned.

As you can see, it is difficult to diagnose the whole picture from here.

I might sum up by pointing out that slop in the linkage is a major cause of worn out clutch dogs. You may have other problems lurking in the shadows.

 

[fishdady]

Re: 1957 Evinrude Lark 35

Sorry guys, had to work the last couple days. I plan on getting her out tomorrow, and will go through everything again, paying attention to all these suggestions. "Supreme", I used a bad choice of words, it does go into forward and I don't have to hold it, it'll stay. with shift cable off. This boat sat for 6 years, untill I got it away from a cousin who was going to "fix it up", but, never got around to it. That said, I did the normal stuff, rebuilt carb, new impeller, fuel lines, etc. On test run, in barrel, discovered water in LU. Because of it's age, thought there would be bushings that may have deteriorated. If I have to pull PH, it is what it is. I will let everyone know how it goes. Thanks again to everyone, Chuck

 

[lindy46]

Re: 1957 Evinrude Lark 35

If it shifts and stays in gear with the remote cable disconnected, then I'd first replace the shift cable before tearing into the motor. If it broke and/or was cut off sometime in the past, it will never give enough throw to shift properly.

 

[fishdady]

Re: 1957 Evinrude Lark 35

I have to say I understand about trying to help, without being right there to see what it's doing and I appreciate everyones help. Last night I worked on it again. I found an adjustment, on the engine shift arm, in a service manual. one nut and one bolt, loosen, put the shift arm in forward and make sure it goes all the way in the "slot". I did that and when I started it up, with the cable off it went into gear, F and R, hooked up cable, went into F, but, not R. Anyways, when I was doing this I noticed play, in the shift arm, up and down, back and forth, also, if I pulled on the shift arm, it would come out about 3/8 inch. I think I am going to pull the PH and tighten that up. Question; do they still make replacement cables for these old engines and if so, where can I get one. Thanks, Chuck

 

[F_R]

Re: 1957 Evinrude Lark 35

You get the cables right here at iboats. Type 400. You have to use the ends off the old cable, so don't throw it away just yet.

 

[fishdady]

Re: 1957 Evinrude Lark 35

Thanks, guys I'll keep you updated.