Home › Forum › Ask A Member › 1959 18 hp Evinrude won’t shift into F › Reply To: 1959 18 hp Evinrude won’t shift into F
OK, I am asssuming you are not having trouble moving the shift lever into forward gear, but it just won’t stay there. Is that correct? If there is something limiting the movement of the shift lever, you should check the throttle interlock vertical rod.
Unfortunately, I’m guessing that the shift lever moves easily and completely, it just doesn’t stay there. Does the engine seem to clunk and jump when power is applied in forward gear? If so, you probably have clutch dog issues. Needless to say, this issue could have been caused by improperly adjusted/loose shift linkage, all of this should be checked before ripping anything apart. Loose shift rod connector, improper fine adjustment on shift handle, messed up interlock, or a stiff/stuck shift handle that does not move freely are all areas to be checked. I’m assuming this engine is not connected to remote controls.
Unfortunately, once the issue is located and corrected, you will probably still have a clutch dog/gear jumping issue. This is because the clutch dog/gear lugs have been rounded off due to constant jumping. I sure hope I am wrong about most all of this, and that a simple adjustment will take care of this issue. Good luck…