still not shiftting correctly

[shu5720]

I just installed new throttle and shift cables. Adjusted them out and the SX-M seems to have the same problems as before. It will shift into reverse no problem but most of the time (about 60%) when shifting into forward, it will just stay in neutral. It stays there until i continue to move the throttle and then falls in with a thunk. Any thoughts? The drive is a Volvo Penta SX-M. Any more info needed and I will get same. Thanks for the help. Again.

 

[Don S]

Re: still not shiftting correctly

It sounds like you are almost getting into gear but not quite. Here is how to check for sure. Under that plastic cover on the drive is the shift linkage as shown in the picture below.
Remove the cotter pin and washer shown in pic. Then pull the shift linkage out of the shift arm. Move the shift arm by hand into forward, you will feel it stop. Then have someone put the shifter into forward and see if the linkage lines up. Push the linkage in the opposite direction of movement to make sure all the slop is out of the cable and shift linkage at the helm.

 

[shu5720]

Re: still not shiftting correctly

Got it Don, I'll try that now.

 

[shu5720]

Re: still not shiftting correctly

Don S. - just did as instructed. The linkage and the arm still line up when shifted all the way forward. If anything, the linkage is pushing a little on the arm, wanting to push it just slightly more. Also, when checking it on the muffs it shifts great. Just in the water that there seems to be a problem. Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Don S]

Re: still not shiftting correctly

Check the gear lube for water and level.
Was the adjustment off before you replaced the cables, if so, how long has this problem been going on?

 

[shu5720]

Re: still not shiftting correctly

Checking the lube now for water. The problem started on vacation toward the very end of the week. (Only had it in the water once since then). Put about 15 - 30 hours on the boat that week. Lots of tubing but the kids are small so no abuse. With the old cables it seemed I was running out of adjustment so that is why I replaced them. Doesnt really seem any better with the new ones. The engine-drive has just about 100 hours total on them.

 

[Don S]

Re: still not shiftting correctly

What kind of oil are you using in the drive?

 

[shu5720]

Re: still not shiftting correctly

Don, I dont have the bottle of gear lube as I had to put it in another container to put it into the drive. I am 99% sure it was the GL-5. It was what as recommended and synthetic. I drained some out of the lower unit. It is dark green-gray. Not the clear green it was when it went it but not what I would think of as "milky". No metal particles on the plug end either.

 

[Don S]

Re: still not shiftting correctly

If it's dark green, then it's probably the Mercruiser Hi-Performance gear lube, and should work fine in that drive.
The gray would indicate some moisture, but not enough to cause the problem.
I think it's time to see a dealer and get the drive checked. The cone clutch is slipping, couldn't tell you why without taking it apart and looking.

 

[shu5720]

Re: still not shiftting correctly

Okay. That makes sense. I was hoping to avoid the $100/hr but it is what it is. Thanks for all your help.