what a mess! pin came off in lower unit

[elpayin]

hi, my 1981 evinrude 50 hp was running great and all of a suden, no reverse or neutral so i took apart the lower unit and saw that the pin that goes in the clutch dog came off, it was broken in two, and the spring that goes next to the clutch dog was GONE! just little pieces all over the gear case and the pinion gear, gone too - two tooths are completely smashed up - now, i know that i`ll have to buy the spring,the pin and the pinion gear for sure but do i have to buy the reverse & forward gears even though they seem to be ok?
clutch dog? or what else do you think ?
one more, is it because a while back while changing the oil, accidentaly i unescrewed the pinion bearing set screw - just a few turns-?
or, what happens when you take this screw off ?
any help WILL be greatly appreciated.
thanks.
Elpayin

 

[tommr]

Re: what a mess! pin came off in lower unit

I like to keep gears matched, other than that other parts should be ok unless bent or broken.
Gears that are used to running together wear together. Mismatched gears will usually work but they will wear at faster rate.
That philips head screw should have a red tag that says "do not touch".

 

[elpayin]

Re: what a mess! pin came off in lower unit

does that phillips screw holds any bearing in place or what is the function of it?

 

[alangf]

Re: what a mess! pin came off in lower unit

does that phillips screw holds any bearing in place or what is the function of it?

The phillips screw holds the lever assembly that moves the clutch dog. Without it being in its proper place the clutch dog will float around and wreak havoc.

 

[wilde1j]

Re: what a mess! pin came off in lower unit

The phillips screw is the pivot for the cradle, which causes the dog to move back and forth. Should be labeled "do not touch".