Re: Proper shift linkage adjustment 1972 18 hp Evinrude

[Don]

Well, there is the little adjustment on the shift lever that aligns the interlock lever with neutral. But, that will not increase the range of throw…
You should be able to see if there is slop in the linkage by pulling the shift rod connector cover, securing the shift rod with needle nose pliers or something else that will fit inside, then trying to rock the shift lever…If you find there is lost motion between the shift lever, and shift rod movement, you will need to track down the cause. Perhaps the shift lever is not tight on the pivot shaft, or maybe the internal bellcrank is messed up.
Is the gearcase achieving full forward gear engagement? Usually, you can feel drag on the dog/gear face when you attempt to push the shift lever past its static position in forward gear. Your sure this is a gearcase issue, correct? It is possible that the driveshaft/crankshaft splines are just about to give way. But, I’m guessing you can feel the thing jumping when you hold the shift lever in forward gear while it is misbehaving.
It is possible that the internal gearcase linkage is worn, such as the gearcase fork or aluminum clutch dog cradle….