[stanb112]

Cliff, the service manual details the procedure for adjusting the hydro lever linkage. You need to center the lever then adjust the linkage so the control arm roller rests in the slight detent in the cam or aligns with a witness mark on the cam.

 

[stanb112]

Drew, there are three things which can throw the adjustment off. The lever and/or spring plate it attaches to may have loosened and changed position, the quadrant (gate around the lever) is adjustable and may have moved, and the linkage rod may have been bent.

I would make sure the bolts holding the quadrant and the lever arm are tight, then adjust the ball joint at the rear end on the control rod. If you can't make the adjustment you can shift the quadrant a little to reposition the lever.

Also I suggest you look carefully at the roller on the control arm (called a washer in the parts catalog). Often this roller binds on the bolt and stops turning which wears a flat spot on it. This 40 cent part when worn creates play in the linkage and makes finding neutral more difficult.