SX drive and hard shifting question

[Augoose]

I've got a '99 Volvo Penta SX and have a question regarding hard shifts. When I shift from neutral to forward, the shift is absolutely smooth with no clunk whatsoever. When I shift from neutral to reverse (even at idle), there is a noticeable clunk- I'd say its about as loud as a mercruiser clunk (not bad, just noticeable) but without the ratcheting sound. The rpm at idle is about 650 to 700. In fact it took a few trips to recognize the fact that it was doing it as I don't need to backup all that often. Its also hard to say whether it was doing this before the shift cable install because I let it sit all winter before changing the cable and my memory of trips the previous summer began to fade - I tend to believe it wasn't.

Last winter I replaced the shift cable with a OEM replacement with matching part numbers. During installation I followed the service manual regarding measurements and the install whet fine (I think). The cable seemed to correctly manipulate the piston arm on the drive completely into and out of forward and reverse. Regarding the cable measurements between forward and reverse, I do recall that one of the measurements was right at the minimum accepted number - maybe it was the distance between neutral and reverse....

"The distance between forward and neutral must be no less
than 1-1/4 in. (31,8 mm) and no greater than 1-3/8 in."
"The distance between neutral and reverse must be no less
than 1-1/4 in. (31,8 mm) and no greater than 1-3/8 in."

Possibly when I reconnected the throttle cable during the shift cable install I accidentally left some pre-load on the cable box? But wouldn't that effect shifting into forward as well?

If the distance between neutral and reverse was less slightly less than 1 1/4", what would the symptoms be?

Everything I read on hard shifting having to do with the shift cable install seems to suggest hard shifting in both directions, while my issue is only in reverse. The other variable here is that I also had to replace my upper bearing cover on the drive. I feel I did the measurements there correctly as well and used the proper size and number of shims. If I didn't do that correctly, could that be causing my issue?

thanks!

 

[skydiveD30571]

Re: SX drive and hard shifting question

I asked the same question awhile back and didn't get much feedback.

http://forums.iboats.com/volvo-penta-i-o-inboard-gas-engines-outdrives/what-causes-loud-shifting-into-reverse-but-not-into-forward-576002.html

Mine still does it from time to time, and I figured as long as the gear lube looks good and there's no metal shavings, the internal drive parts are ok and I should find something else to worry about.

I seem to remember a post from Don S. a long time ago answering this question. I think he said the shift shoe can wear on one side more than the other, and as long as there's no operational problems there is no need to fix it.

 

[Augoose]

Re: SX drive and hard shifting question

Thanks skydive.....I did quite a few searches as well and came up with a lot of conflicting information (of course). I plan on a couple more trips out and then starting winterization shortly thereafter. I'll take a look at the gear lube like you said and take it from there.
Thanks

 

[skydiveD30571]

Re: SX drive and hard shifting question

You can also put it on muffs, disconnect the shift cable from the drive, and manually shift it in and out of gear (take the prop off or make extra sure to stand clear of it). Of course both will sound louder when you're standing next to the drive which is out of water, but you can listen for differences between forward and reverse. That can help isolate it to a drive vs. a cable problem.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: SX drive and hard shifting question

Is your gear lube at the proper level? If its too high, it can make it harder to shift.

I would do what skydive suggested and disconnect the cable at the drive and see if its just the cable too.

 

[Augoose]

Re: SX drive and hard shifting question

Thanks Skydive and Bruce - I'll try both of those suggestions. I seem to also recall that the oil level was a bit high, so that may be part of it.