Bravo III shifting problem

[johndoe]

6.2L MPI Bravo III Duoprop.
After the boat has been run for a while and is warm, it doesn't want to go into forward gear at the first detent on the shifter. Have to push it a little bit further and then is slams into gear. Makes docking a bit challenging!
I am not sure if it is the little dog that catches the shift cable end at the outdrive when installing the outdrive, or is it is just in need of a shift cable adjustment at the engine?
The service maunuals are a bit confusing for the shift cable adjustment at the engine and I am not sure I know how to do that or if I would just make it worse. Since it happens after it is warm, I belive it is at the lower unit...? any ideas?

 

[cr2k]

Re: Bravo III shifting problem

Probably needs a lower shift cable. Look in the Stickys for diagnosis threads.

 

[TilliamWe]

Re: Bravo III shifting problem

...I am not sure if it is the little dog that catches the shift cable end at the outdrive when installing the outdrive, ... any ideas?

It's probably NOT that. That thing either fits into the "jaws" or it doesn't. If it doesn't fit into them, it will engage forward, but you can't pull it out of gear or get it into reverse.
You then re-load the boat on the trailer, pull it to the top of the ramp, remove the drive, pull out the jaws/lower shift cable with needle nosed pliers and re-install it properly. Please don't ask how I know this!

 

[cr2k]

Re: Bravo III shifting problem

His works fine until warm. So if it was an improper assembly it would not work from the get go. I am also wondering if the short shift cable is melted thru on the exhaust Y tube from poor routing.

 

[Shoehorn]

Re: Bravo III shifting problem

I have a 1995 24 ft. Sea Ray with Bravo 3 that has the same problem. After running for a while, I have a tough time getting it back into forward. I wish somebody would have an answer. That is why I am online trying to find the answer. Could it be that the idle is not high enough? Just seen that mentioned a while ago.

 

[HT32BSX115]

Re: Bravo III shifting problem

Probably needs a lower shift cable. Look in the Stickys for diagnosis threads.

I would look to the lower shift cable first.......how old is it and are you boating in salt?

 

[45Auto]

Re: Bravo III shifting problem

My B3 got hard to shift a few summers ago. My daughter couldn't even operate it.

The internal shift linkage is under the little rear cap on the drive upper. I unbolted the rear cap and lubed the linkage, it's been shifting easily and perfectly since then.

It's easy to do, won't cost you anything to try it.

 

[jersigsel22]

Re: Bravo III shifting problem

I've just brought my B3 in for the upper gear upgrade.drive is doing the same thing(Delay into forward) I tried every thing else, New shift cable,new detent,and lever, cable adjustment. Nothing has helped. i'll have the drive back in a week and you'll hear from me that its worked. If you dont hear back from me it means it didnt work and well... you do the math.:facepalm:

 

[jersigsel22]

Re: Bravo III shifting problem

Got drive back with new upper gearset. PROBLEM SOLVED.