67 Evinrude 80hp won't shift forward

[Evinrookie]

1967 80HP Evinrude Manual Shift
I removed the lower unit to replace some seals because of a water intrusion problem. Yesterday was my first attempt at taking it out on the water. It shifted into reverse just fine but it wouldn't go into forward gear. Prior to the lower unit work it shifted great. Can someone please tell me what I did wrong and how to fix it? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Evinrookie]

Re: 67 Evinrude 80hp won't shift forward

One other thing. Before making this thread I searched this site to see if anyone else has had this problem. Someone with a 77' 175hp Evinrude had a similar problem (http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=263886&highlight=shift+rod+height). Someone suggests that the "shift rod height measurement" may have been changed or the shift cables were not properly adjusted. Here is a description of how I dismantled and re-mantled the linkage to remove the LU.

Dismantle
1. Shift into reverse
2. Removed cable from shift lever by pushing spring-loaded screw and turning
3. Removed access window panels on side of exhaust housing
4. Removed screw from shift rod connector

Re-mantle
1. Reposition LU and insert shift rod into connector and replace screw
2. Reconnect shift cable to shift level
3. Replace access window panels

Would the shift linkage need to be readjusted after this?

 

[F_R]

Re: 67 Evinrude 80hp won't shift forward

So have you looked to see if it is still "re-mantled"? You may have missed the notch in the shift rod. It is extremely important to use a flashlight to peer in there and be sure the notch is exactly aligned with the screw hole. If it is not aligned perfectly, the screw will rub on the edge of the notch and that will wipe the threads off the screw every time. Then it generally falls out 5 miles from the dock. You got lucky.

Your motor is not even remotely similar to the 175hp, so ignore that one.

 

[Evinrookie]

Re: 67 Evinrude 80hp won't shift forward

Would the notch not being aligned properly still allow me to shift into reverse? I would imagine so because reverse makes the linkage push down which would be easier than trying to pull up (forward gear) on something that you don't have a good grip on.

I will check that out tonight. Is there anything else I can do to troubleshoot the problem if the linkage connection turns out to be okay?

Thanks for the advice. You're always a huge help FR.

 

[Evinrude Boater]

Re: 67 Evinrude 80hp won't shift forward

Same thing happened to mine when I had it apart. Adjust the shift rod to the proper height and you should be good to go.

 

[Evinrookie]

Re: 67 Evinrude 80hp won't shift forward

Got it working.
I first inspected the shift rod connection and it seemed to be fine. I then disconnected the cable and moved the shift arm by hand to see if it sounded like it was shifting. Seemed to be shifting fine so I reconnected the cable and adjusted the dial on the cable so that it would properly engage forward and reverse. There is a very small window for this and I don't know how it came out of adjustment. Neutral, however, seems to not be in a very consistent spot on the shifter. From forward gear I have to shift well past the center position toward reverse for neutral. From reverse gear I have to shift well past the center position toward forward gear. Is this normal or is there something that can be adjusted? This issue was occurring before I took everything apart.

Thanks for everyone's help in getting this sorted out.

 

[Evinrude Boater]

Re: 67 Evinrude 80hp won't shift forward

The shift linkage inside the engine covers may be loose. There's a bolt that tightens the horizontal shaft with the vertical shift linkage. You'll have to take the rear lower engine cover off to get at it. There's also a bolt on the shift lever that allows some adjustment. You can see that on the outside.

 

[Evinrookie]

Re: 67 Evinrude 80hp won't shift forward

Cool thanks for the info. I'll check the shift lever first but I still think it might be an issue with the controller because when I unhooked the cable to test for it going into gear, it seemed to be going into neutral in the same position on the shifter arm. By the way, are those your videos on Youtube under Classicboater? Gives me hope for when I finally get this thing running the way it should. You're always such a big help.
Thanks again.

 

[Evinrookie]

Re: 67 Evinrude 80hp won't shift forward

By the way, are those your videos on Youtube under Classicboater?.

I just read your other reply. Guess that answers my question.