1961 Evinrude Lark III lower gear case problem

[steve17]

I just bought a 61 starcraft boat with a 61 evinrude lark iii. I didn't notice prior to buying the engine was missing the Pin, Pivot Lever screw. I noticed it was missing when I went to fill the gear oil and the oil leaked out the hole. I looked the type of screw that should go in this spot online and with talking to a person at a marina. Upon returning home with the screw I realized that a piece inside the lower gear case shifted down and was blocking the hole so the screw wouldn't go in. The piece was probably shifted down prior I just didn't realize it. Does anyone know what I can do to correct this? I know push come to shove I can take it to the Marina and have some fix it for me but I would much rather do it myself. Any help would be a greatly appreciated.

Thanks

 

[Mas]

Re: 1961 Evinrude Lark III lower gear case problem

Get an awl and wiggle the shifter, turn the prop, tilt the motor in various positions, and anything else. I've gotten them to realign...just takes some patience.

Mas

 

[samo_ott]

Re: 1961 Evinrude Lark III lower gear case problem

As Mas says. It is doable. Use a pick and wiggle it till it lines up. Worst case scenerio, take the engine off the boat and lie it on it's side hole up and then try it again. Or more worst case scenerio is you have to remove the LU and open it up to fix it.

Oh, and welcome to the forum

 

[F_R]

Re: 1961 Evinrude Lark III lower gear case problem

If you can get it so you can see at least half of the hole in the lever, here is a secret tip: Grind or file a slight bevel on the end of the pin. Then stick the pointy end into the half-hole and rotate while slightly pushing inward. The bevel will pull the lever into place and the pin will slide in.

Worst case scenario: The lever may have fallen out of the cradle. If it has, it is all over until you take the gearcase apart and do it right.