Reply To: 1957 Evinrude Big Twin 35 Skeg interferes with gears.

[Don]

OK, so same results with old skeg…  Next try removing the pinion and reassembling.  Did you replace the pinion bearing?  If so, the new one may not be pressed in properly, it is kind of a strange design with that thrust bearing up inside.  You did replace the pinion gear, do you still have the old one?  Perhaps try reinstalling the old one, if it is not completely destroyed.  These gearcases all “look the same”, but there were subtle changes over the years, perhaps you have the wrong pinion.  Why is it that you replaced the pinion?  Did you replace the forward/reverse gears also?