Issues with an evinrude v8 lower unit

**alexvzx** · 03-21-2018, 08:48 PM

I restored an evinrude v8. When testing for the first time, I noticed that the lower unit was not engaging in reverse. Based on that, I adjusted the cable and did engage in reverse. However, when I put the engine in forward the shaft do not engage. In summary, there is no mid point in which the lower unit works in forward and revers. I am planing to open the gear case during the weekend. Based on that any advice of what to look for or what could be the issue will be appreciated.

**capteliminator** · 03-21-2018, 09:36 PM

Do you have a manual? I went through mine awhile back and sound's like you need to adjust the shift shaft. Manual gives you a measurement but it's hard to judge. Watched a couple YouTube videos and one showed how to make a homemade tool to set the lenght.

**Dave S** · 03-22-2018, 10:04 AM

I had probs with shifter.... slop in the upper linkage pivot.... made a shim outa 45 colt casing......

**rude tim** · 03-25-2018, 11:40 AM

Make sure the shift shaft rod is set to the proper length. The shifter arm inside the cowling should be at a 90 if it is not it will not pull even in both directions.

**alexvzx** · 03-25-2018, 07:44 PM

Thanks for the reply. I will set the shaft as per manual. Hope that solve the issue.

**Dave S** · 03-25-2018, 07:51 PM

And the next road... ave is what shifter some have different throws.

**alexvzx** · 03-26-2018, 02:32 PM

Could you please provide more information related to the job that you do to the shifter.

**flabum1017** · 03-26-2018, 09:59 PM

What condition is your shift cable in? a bad cable will have too much play. Put the shifter in forward, full throttle, take the cable off at the engine and try to push and pull the cable end while holding the jacket..... more than 1/4" movement is a problem

**alexvzx** · 03-27-2018, 08:22 AM

Cable is new, no issue with it.

**flabum1017** · 03-27-2018, 04:44 PM

Originally Posted by alexvzx

Cable is new, no issue with it.

The do the same test with it in neutral..... see if there is excessive slop in the control box

**alexvzx** · 03-27-2018, 07:59 PM

Control box is new, no play. That is why I am looking to receive some feedback. I purchased many things new to avoid issues.

**powerabout** · 03-27-2018, 08:29 PM

engine stopped
move the shift on the engine from full forward to full reverse and measure the travel, you will need to turn the prop in the opposite direction to let the dog engage fully.
Compare that to shift cable travel.
BUT shift rod height must be correct to start with

**alexvzx** · 03-31-2018, 08:12 AM

Here is the update;
I disassembled the lower unit and everything was ok. The shifting mechanism is very simple. The shift rod was adjusted as per manual. Check the cable play and it is ok. Outside the water everything was working fine. When is in the water, the reverse engage perfect, however, on forward do not engage. Adjusted the cable in a middle point and there was no engagement in forward or reverse. If I adjust more to one side then forward engage and revers don’t. In summary; if I follow all the adjustments specified by the manual on forward do not engage.
It is an 86 engine with a new BRP binnacle. The manual says that is compatible. At this point I do not know if there is a way to adjust the shift travel. Binnacle was disassembled and no adjustment was identified. Any suggestions will be appreciated.