1968 Evinrude fastwin Slipping out of gear

[Tomtina3]

I have a 1968 Evinrude Fastwin, obtained in "ancient" condition. Was jumping out of gear really badly. So far I have replaced the shift cradle and yoke (which were really bad), and replaced the pinion gear (which was really bad). the forward gear and clutch dog looked surprisingly good, very little wear. Adjusted all the shift linkages and they seem tight. Now it stays in gear until about 3/4 throttle getting on plane.... but every now and then, you can watch the shift lever start to get sucked backward into neutral and it will clunk again. Holding the shift lever hard forward seems to keep it in gear. So my question is..... can it be anything other than the clutch dog? The shift lever getting sucked backward does not seem to me like the clutch dog, but I could be wrong. the shift lever is pulled back despite the detent bar seeming tight. Is there anything else at the top end of the motor that could be causing the shift lever to get pulled into neutral? If not I guess I gotta try a new clutch dog. ANy suggestions?

 

[oldcatamount]

Re: 1968 Evinrude fastwin Slipping out of gear

That detent bar you mentioned, does it have the small coil spring installed so it keeps pressure on the bar? I've had to use a second coil spring on that before just for a little extra push. The clutch dog doesn't need to be worn much to have it slip. You could try flipping it over and using the other edges.

 

[64osby]

Re: 1968 Evinrude fastwin Slipping out of gear

I had a late 50's model that wanted to pop out of forward. I was able to adjust the shift lever and it allowed the gears to "fully" engage. It solved the problem so far.

Before that at higher revs, the shift handle had to be held to keep it in gear.

 

[geoffwga1]

Re: 1968 Evinrude fastwin Slipping out of gear

From your description I would say it is almost certainly wear on the dog and/or gear.Very expensive to replace but do not despair.A little judicial work with a dremmel and you can redress the lugs on the forward gear,taking care not to overheat the metal. Very often reversal of the dog will help as reverse wears much less than forward.I don't think dressing of the dog itself is practical as it may involve shortening it slightly (though only a few thou) but I have never tried this,confining my activities to the gear.
You could also take it to a machine shop and have them do it.Hope this helps a little.
Geoffwga1

 

[HighTrim]

Re: 1968 Evinrude fastwin Slipping out of gear

Those are precisely machined edges, very hard to get accurate with a dremmel, unless you are quite talented.

Replacement parts can be had by posting a wanted ad at aomci.org in the webvertize. Not all that expensive.

You could also adjust the shift handle to favour forward gear a touch by using the strength of the detent spring to force the shift lever to forward. You do this by shifting into forward, then loosen the adjusting bolt and move the shift handle slightly towards, neutral while not allowing rest of linkage to move, then tighten up adjustment bolt. This will help with worn linkage if that is the case.

If it still jumps out like this, time to address the dog and forward gear. As stated above, you may be able to flip the dog if the reverse side is still good.

 

[Tomtina3]

Re: 1968 Evinrude fastwin Slipping out of gear

Thanks everyone. I tried to adjust the shift lever bolt so it favors forward, and this does help but it will take more time to determine if it solved the problem or not. I'm going to next mess with the detent bar spring to see if it can keep it in place.

As far as the clutch dog and forward gear, I guess I might as well try some grinding on them because if it doesn't work, I'll just be replacing them anyway. Found a clutch dog fairly cheap on Ebay, the only forward gear on there is a used one, so I'm a little hesitant.

The suggestions were extremely helpful, and I love this little motor. Very easy to work on!

 

[geoffwga1]

Re: 1968 Evinrude fastwin Slipping out of gear

I agree High Trim,when new they are precisely machined,however,the very nature of the clutch,which is basically the same system used on ships winches ,negates the importance of more than rudimentary accuracy.Even if you don't get them dead accurate the very action of clunking in and out of gear will soon even them up.It's not perfect but then neither is $300 to $400 bucks for a new gear,I don't think I would risk buying a 2nd hand one.I have done this to 2 of my motors and may have to do it to the one I'm working on now,and ,touch wood,have never had any problems(so far)..
Geoff69a1

 

[dockrat100]

Re: 1968 Evinrude fastwin Slipping out of gear

$300 for a new gear set is a bit extreme. I paid $50 for a complete lower unit off aomci.org

 

[geoffwga1]

Re: 1968 Evinrude fastwin Slipping out of gear

Actually the listed price for that year model forward gear and bushing is $614 and change,as I said earlier what guarantee have you got that you won't buy the same problem with a used unit.Don't know why it's so much,the same piece of kit for my Norseman is $399.00.
GeoffwgA1

 

[HighTrim]

Re: 1968 Evinrude fastwin Slipping out of gear

Holy cow, thats crazy! I buy parts motors for like 50 bucks. Sure, not all of them have good gears and dogs in them, but most do.

I have even bought NOS ones much cheaper. I dont shop on ebay though. That site is getting silly for antique parts. Too many guys watching American Pickers and Pawn Stars I think.