Home › Forum › Ask A Member › Proper shift linkage adjustment 1972 18 hp Evinrude › Re: Proper shift linkage adjustment 1972 18 hp Evinrude
I actually just dealt with the same situation, except it was a 1974 25hp, which is essentially the same gearcase. I installed a detent ball equipped prop shaft, nearly new clutch dog, and even went so far as to replace the forward gear with a good used one that had little wear.
It took cheating the ‘sweep’ on the shift lever nearly all the way toward forward gear to stop it from jumping out, and I had it so far forward that to get into reverse you have to really slap the shifter back. I pulled that gearcase apart 5 times trying to figure that one out. The clutch cradle and fork both looked good.
The shifter lock was tight to the shift lever through all 3 points, it had that good ‘snap’ feeling to it. This motor I pulled the powerhead on to replace a broken shift lever stud, so I know the upper linkage was in good shape with no slop.
My opinion is these gearsets are not very forgiving, the lugs are shallow and there’s only 2 of them. It doesn’t take much wear to start to cause slippage.