Shifting Issue VP DP-SM

[CascoBay]

I have a 2000 Volvo DP-SM drive, if I run the boat a long time and take it out of gear I have difficulty getting it back into forward. Reverse works fine, but I need to really give it throttle to get it to grab forward- its like it just isnt moving the shift cable.

When this happens I have been putting it into reverse and then neutral, that sometimes will fix the issue. Short trips around the harbor and I have no issue.

I assume this is a cable issue but I did adjust it in May and all was well.

Do cables stretch over time or are they considered a wear item? Is it my control box? This is a single lever unit- perhaps when the throttle is advanced its throwing the shift cable throw out?

Thanks for any input.

 

[Sparkinator]

Re: Shifting Issue VP DP-SM

I've got a 95 SX and it had the original cable. I had some of the same symptoms you're having. It would shift smoothly into reverse, but the engine would sometimes rev up before it would engage into forward gear. It made it slam into gear.

I replaced the shift cable, and now it shifts great into forward and reverse.

 

[muscmkr]

Re: Shifting Issue VP DP-SM

I have the same outdrive. Never had that problem but it could be the cable or the linkage in the outdrive or worse. Take the three bolts off of the outdrive cowling and you can see the linkage. It is a simple adjustment if needed. The linkage has a stop in the middle which is neutral, down is reverse and up is go. Just remove the cotter pin and you may need to twist the brass nut a few time to adjust it. Any milky problems in the outdrive oil? you should also be able to disconnect the linkage and manually move the linkage and check at the prop to see if it is engaging correctly. Hard to tell since you say it only does it at certain times.

 

[CascoBay]

Re: Shifting Issue VP DP-SM

Thanks for the help.

The outdrive gear oil is clean, no issues with water.

The cable is adjusted as well- I had issues with this last year and before the boat went in I spent some time servicing the drive and made sure it was adjusted properly.

I also aligned the drive and engine, changed the gimbal bearing, and the bellows for good measure.