Does not shift completely into reverse

[timbehnen]

I have a 1998 Larson with 5.0 volvo penta with SX-m outdrive. Last couple times on he water when I shift into reverse it does not engage completely immediately (it goes into reverse but it's like it's only partially engaged based on it moves the boat ever so slowly), but only when the throttle is increase and then in goes into gear completely with a clunk. I've removed the plastic cover and it appears to be moving the mechanism properly and when run on the muffs in the driveway it shifts immediately into reverse just fine with no clunk. When I disconnect the shifter cable from the rear attachment and manually move the shift mechanism to Forward, I can only spin the prop in one direction which to me indicates it's in gear. When I manually move the shift mechanism to revers I can still spin the prop in both directions but on one direction it spins with some resistance as if it is only partially engaged. Any ideas as to what I can check? No issues going into forward. I'm heading to the lake for a week. If I don't have this issue resolved, would be ok to continue to use the boat but just not use reverse?

 

[gr8knurlin]

My Regal with Volvo Penta Drive did the same thing last year and it was the shift cable. I was having the gimble/u-joints/bellows changed and the shop called me to ask if I'd been having issues with drive engagement. I told them that yeas a couple times it would clunk or only partially engage with a small grind. They told me that a small leak in the bellows had caused the shift cable to corrode to the point of almost letting go. After the work was done she shifted like new. Turns out the boat I replaced her with will need the same work done after this season.

 

[timbehnen]

My Regal with Volvo Penta Drive did the same thing last year and it was the shift cable. I was having the gimble/u-joints/bellows changed and the shop called me to ask if I'd been having issues with drive engagement. I told them that yeas a couple times it would clunk or only partially engage with a small grind. They told me that a small leak in the bellows had caused the shift cable to corrode to the point of almost letting go. After the work was done she shifted like new. Turns out the boat I replaced her with will need the same work done after this season.

thanks for the info. I've determined its not my cable since when I disconnect the cable and rotate the shift mechanism to reverse I cannot get it to engage completely. Sure hoping someone can tell me if its ok to operate it in this state w/o creating further damage.

 

[Awesomeame]

thanks for the info. I've determined its not my cable since when I disconnect the cable and rotate the shift mechanism to reverse I cannot get it to engage completely. Sure hoping someone can tell me if its ok to operate it in this state w/o creating further damage.

You can shim the plunger on the shift mechanism. Maybe check that? The plunger shimming is more for disengagement issues, but it might be worthwhile to look at. The procedure is in the Clymer manual..I tried posting it but it's too big for the reply box.

Matt

 

[timbehnen]

You can shim the plunger on the shift mechanism. Maybe check that? The plunger shimming is more for disengagement issues, but it might be worthwhile to look at. The procedure is in the Clymer manual..I tried posting it but it's too big for the reply box.

Matt

Thank you very much MATT! I will get a copy and give that a try.