shift problem Bravo 2 diesel

[misfit]

Bravo 2 diesel with Merc single lever control. I run the boat fine untill, eventually, in the course of things, the outdrive decides it will not engage forward. This is a work boat (new to me), and operates at idle 75% of the time, the remainer, short bursts- pot to pot. Ive gone over the linkage, adjusting according to merc manual, checked cable clearance and obstuction. Aside from the occasional clunk into drive or reverse or single ratchet into neutral the shifting seems fine. If I let the controls alone for a few minutes the shift usually responds. The few times I've lost patience and fussed with the throtle, I've regained drive at unfortunately high rpms 1300-1500.
Anyone have any theories.... Heat possibly - shift cable runs along wet exhaust elbow, but I can palm the block at idle temp.
Also, How much abuse can this outdrive take, jumping into gear at high rpms like that?
Lastly could it be hub related?
Thanks much..

 

[Don S]

Re: shift problem Bravo 2 diesel

Aside from the occasional clunk into drive or reverse or single ratchet into neutral the shifting seems fine.

Since it has a cone clutch and not a dog clutch like the Alpha drives, it shouldn't ratchet at all. There is nothing in there to ratchet.
Have you checked the gear lube for water?
You might also be due for a new lower shift cable. Once the get worn excessively, the don't put the drive all the way in gear.
How old is that cable and drive?

 

[misfit]

Re: shift problem Bravo 2 diesel

engine has 320 hrs, and was a conversion from gas, The outdrive, I believe is the same age.
The cone clutch.. Frictional?
Being new to outdrives I was unaware of the smooth quick shift, and had been slow shifting in and out of drives, It may not have been ratcheting but definately not entirely smooth.
the boats in the water right now, but I changed the gear oil before putting her in. I must check lower plug for h20 contamination, correct?
what risk is there to a cone clutch engaging at higher rpms?
Thanks Don....

 

[Don S]

Re: shift problem Bravo 2 diesel

What YEAR is the drive, hours is meaningless.

When you changed the gear lube, did you put new gaskets on the drain and vent plugs?
How did you fill the drive when you changed the gear lube? Does it have a reservoir inside the boat? Did you use Merc Hi Performance gear lube?

 

[misfit]

Re: shift problem Bravo 2 diesel

2003 sat for the last year after being winterized.
reused drain gaskets, pumped quicksilver high performance in from the lower drain though system. Has a reservoir which is full.. lube color fine.