Volvo Penta won't go into forward, only reverse

devon32

Cadet
Joined
Apr 29, 2020
Messages
6
Good Afternoon,

I recently bought a 2006 Glastron gx 185. It has the 4.3 GL with volvo penta SX-M outdrive. I just replaced the exhaust and ujoint bellows and took the boat out to test everything and when leaving the dock, I had trouble getting forward to engage. It would only rev the motor, not actually move. It would go in reverse just fine though. After moving it back and forth it finally worked and we went out. About an hour later I started the boat to head home and could not get it to move forward. Reverse still worked perfect. Finally got it after an hour of just cycling the throttle back and forth and got home.
Any idea what could be causing this? All help is appreciated!

Thank you
 

QBhoy

Fleet Admiral
Joined
Mar 10, 2016
Messages
8,348
Could be a couple of things. The favourites of which might be;
A spun prop hub bush after hitting the bottom
The cable needs adjusted
The control mechanism

If you managed any normal performance or speed out the boat, when it did engage on way home then it’s probably not the prop hub...but if you didn’t and it barely moved you forward and no more...then it’s my top guess at what’s happened.
 

devon32

Cadet
Joined
Apr 29, 2020
Messages
6
Thank you for the quick reply. I was able to get home with normal power and speed once I got it into gear. The throttle cable has a good bit of cracking on the outer plastic so that could possibly be it. I looked for the number on it to see how long it is to buy a replacement but can't find it. Could be worn off. Where can I find the length for an 18 foot 2006 glastron 185 gx?
 

Scott Danforth

Grumpy Vintage Moderator still playing with boats
Staff member
Joined
Jul 23, 2011
Messages
51,140
make sure your shift cable is adjusted and you dont burn out the cone clutches

the control cables would have a length printed on them, if not, pull it and measure.
 

devon32

Cadet
Joined
Apr 29, 2020
Messages
6
I was able to find the measurement after pulling it out. 14 feet. Have that on order. How do I diagnose if the cone clutch is bad? I removed the cover on the sterndrive and am able to manually shift it with the lever. However, it does have a decent amount of wobble.
 

Scott Danforth

Grumpy Vintage Moderator still playing with boats
Staff member
Joined
Jul 23, 2011
Messages
51,140
there should be no wobble, just a slight bit of rotational play
 

devon32

Cadet
Joined
Apr 29, 2020
Messages
6
Just in case anyone else is having the same problem, wanted to give an update. I replaced the sterndrive oil with the recommended volvo penta oil and replaced the throttle cable. So far the issue is resolved and goes into gear just fine. Now i'm just having fuel issues. Just one thing after another! Lol. Thank for the help everyone!
 
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