1981 Evinrude 25HP Tiller - won't shift into gear...

[FL-BoatR]

My son bought a nice little Smoker Craft 14' Jon Boat with a 1981 Evinrude 25hp tiller on it. Motor starts first crank and ran out great. Was always difficult to get into reverse. Last time he used it he broke the shift handle trying to get it into reverse. Replaced the shift handle and now can't get it into forward or reverse - see video: https://youtu.be/dQTbTbASZvc Also - I do not see the shift rod moving at all where the coupler is. Any ideas would be much appreciated. Thank you.

 

[RCO]

Never try to shift as outboard when its not running! It will break something every time if you force it, luckily this time it was just a lever. Shift linkage and lockout may need adjustment, or he may have bent the shift fork in the gear case. Remove the spark plugs and try to shift it while you turn the flywheel by hand.

 

[hardwater fisherman]

The motor should be running while shifting. Or when NOT running try turning the prop while shifting.. EDIT He beat me to it..

 

[FL-BoatR]

Thanks guys, will try that.

 

[FL-BoatR]

PS - the motor was running and in the water when the shift handle broke.

 

[flyingscott]

Did somebody change the lower unit fluid lately and remove the wrong bolt. That handle broke because it was being forced.

 

[FL-BoatR]

Did somebody change the lower unit fluid lately and remove the wrong bolt. That handle broke because it was being forced.

The guy we bought it from did say he had just changed the fluid. Please explain what you mean. Thanks!

 

[Newyota]

Another screw on side of gear case that holds the shift fork to linkage That people confuse with the drain.Was previous owner experienced at changing his own fluid?

 

[FL-BoatR]

Another screw on side of gear case that holds the shift fork to linkage That people confuse with the drain.Was previous owner experienced at changing his own fluid?

I can't answer that question but I'm guessing NO. How do I correct this problem? Thanks!

 

[flyingscott]

Look for a phillips screw down on the skeg. If that was removed the dog cradle is off its pivot and if you forced it enough to break the handle you probably bent the shift rod also.

 

[FL-BoatR]

Look for a phillips screw down on the skeg. If that was removed the dog cradle is off its pivot and if you forced it enough to break the handle you probably bent the shift rod also.

Okay, so drop the lower unit, separate the case, look / fix / replace broken bent parts? Thank you.

 

[FL-BoatR]

*** Update - the issue was not in the lower unit. The issue was under the power head where the shifter shaft goes through the housing. It was frozen there. Took quite a bit of muscle and a BFH to free it up. Of course it was a power head removal to get access. ***