68 rude jumping out of gear

[alumachris]

i have a 68 Evinrude 18hp Fastwin that was / is jumping out of gear. 1st of all; thanks to everyone who has helped so far, secondly; hopefully this post will help others with similar probs.
Ok, here's what happened: engine started bumping out of gear (for those that haven't experienced it, it feels like you hit a submerged log with the engine. Pretty hard bump!) Someone suggested to reverse the clutch dog. In other words: take the clutch dog off the shaft , turn it around and re-install. Thanks! It worked!.. for a while. So i bought a new clutch dog and installed it. Had almost the same problem right off the bat.
Conclusion: Forward gear is worn (on the inside ears where dog engages). This is absolutely the BEST ob engine i have ever owned but, i have been in gearcase so often i need to re-seal it with velcro next time. A new gear is like $260. Aint spending that kind of dough on a 43 yr old 2 stroke anything.
Here's my questions for the experts: Are the fwd & reverse gears interchangeable?
And is there any adjustments i can check to make sure that the dog is engaging all the way in forward. (Reason i ask= able to hold in gear by pulling fwd on shifter.)
Lesson learned: If your engine jumps out of gear: shut her down as soon as possible. i kept going by trying to hold it in gear by pulling on the shifter. it worked but i think that's what wore the gear.
Thanks to you guys again and i hope others find this usefull.

 

[HighTrim]

Re: 68 rude jumping out of gear

I would personally buy a $50 parts motor that has a blown powerhead or something and use the gears out of it. Post an ad in your local classifieds or in the webvertize section of aomci.org. You are not limited to only that year, there are many more models that will work for you. What model number Fastwin do you have? I may have a gear for you myself if I look around my parts motors. Another place to call would be one of the many salvage yards listed in the Top Secret Files like Seaway marine.

By the way, the gears cannot be swapped.

 

[alumachris]

Re: 68 rude jumping out of gear

HighTrim, Thanks. btw i just did buy a parts motor but got it for other parts and did not open gearcase when i purchased. Gears are worn out in it too. However, my engine is a 18802M.
i read your responses to other enthusiast often and they have been very helpful.
and Thank you very much!
chris out

 

[HighTrim]

Re: 68 rude jumping out of gear

Tried to cross reference my parts motors with yours and the forward gear numbers are different, sorry.

I think your cheapest option would be aomci.org in the webvertize section.

Second best option would be a salvage yard, check out the list in the FAQ. Brand new is definately cost prohibitive.

 

[alumachris]

Re: 68 rude jumping out of gear

Thanks again HighTrim. One last question. Do you know the years/ hp that are compatable with my 68 model?
you have been $o helpful!