How to Tighten up 1964 Evinrude Big Twin Shift Lever?

[newhamburgboating]

Hi Everyone!

I seem to have a lot of play in the shift lever on my motor. Just wondering if there is a way to tighten it up? It can sometimes be difficult to know if im in neutral or gear on the shifter.

See the pictures. this is in forward the entire time, the two pictures compare the amount the lever can travel before meeting any resistance to begin shifting to neutral. Everything after the the lever seems to be snug and responsive. with a nice loud click between each gear.

Thanks in advance!
Steve

 

[racerone]

Remove covers on side of exhaust housing .----Check for proper installation of the 2 screws in the coupler.---Check for too much play in the shift rod there.

 

[HighTrim]

That is common on the super quiet designs.

The repair is to rebuild the assembly, inside the pan, inline with the shift handle. Not always an easy task.

 

[F_R]

There are several wear points on that assembly. At both ends of the short shaft between the shifter handle and the shift shaft that goes into the exhaust housing, the bellcrank inside the exhaust housing, and the shift rod coupling previously mentioned. Not to mention the possibility of the shift shaft being broken in the center (yes,it happens). It may seem that any one wear point is minor, but add them all together and it is significant. Not only that, it is a clutch dog killer.

 

[newhamburgboating]

Thanks FR. That's why I'm trying to do this now. Like I said earlier. The looseness seems to come from where the lever connects just on the inside of the lower cowling. Trying to think of a way to stiffen it up right there.

 

[F_R]

Of course the "right" way is new parts. Then there is the "other" way. Possibly an oversize pin in a re-worked slot. A little creativity .

 

[newhamburgboating]

Now your talking my style haha.