1972 Evinrude 40hp - unable to shift into gear

[ernstjonas]

Hey guys,
I bought a 1972 Evinrude 40hp (40252E). I’m not sure if the engine is running, so I removed the carb and started cleaning everything up. When I tried the gearshift lever, I couldn’t get it to move into forward or reverse. I don’t want to force the lever, since my other outboards shift much more smoothly. Do you guys have any idea what the problem could be? Thanks.

 

[racerone]

Questions for you.----Did you check gear oil?----Did you remove shift pivot pin by accident ?-----Does the propeller turn ?----Does the shift lever turn a wee bit or is it totally locked?

 

[ernstjonas]

Questions for you.----Did you check gear oil?----Did you remove shift pivot pin by accident ?-----Does the propeller turn ?----Does the shift lever turn a wee bit or is it totally locked?

Hey, thanks for the reply. I did not check gear oil yet. Whats the shift pivot pin? Propeller turns freely, its in neutral right now. I used some light "love taps" with the rubber hammer. Now I am able to shift gears but it takes much more force than my other outboards.

 

[racerone]

Propeller must be turned slowly when shifting with motor not running.

 

[ernstjonas]

Propeller must be turned slowly when shifting with motor not running.

I tried this, but it did not change anything. The next time I am in the workshop Ill drop the lower unit and check if its better afterwards