Volve engine control problem

[jluchuk]

I have a 2000 Larson 290 cabrio with 220 hp volvo penta 5.0 GL PEFS engines and DP-S duo prop out drives. I previously had a tread open on hard shifting and thought I fixed it but I am still having problems. The controls are Teleflex Morse SL3 top mounts with trim and push in neutral start. I have had problems with both hard shifting and the neutral switches sticking in so that when the throttle is returned to upright it will not shift into gear. I have had this problem occur on both the port and starboard controls. Several questions I have are: Do these controls wear out? A new SL3 costs $600 and I don't want to find out it isn't the problem. When the throttle is stuck in neutral I can take off the top cover and move the cable lever with a screw driver and the neutral switch pops out. I have taken them apart and cleaned and lubed them with no effect. The shift is still very hard as well. Can this be caused by worn out controls. My problem I don't know what a normal shift should feel like. When I disconnect the cables it seems like the controls are easy except the it seems very hard to move through the detent position. Would you recommend replacing both controls and cables? I found some Uflex controls that would fit the space but I don't know if these are any good and would they work. After it comes out of the water for the winter I plan to disconnect the shift cables to see on they move. If anyone can provide me any advice in this area I would appreciate it. Thanks. Jerry

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Volve engine control problem

More than likely it is the cables. Are these the original cables? If you disconnect the cable at the drive, is it still hard to move? Have you thought about using Volvo controls vs using the Teleflex...they are cheaper.

Edit: re read your post and see you boat is in the water. Obviously, you will need the boat out of the water to perform the test I mentioned as well as replacing the cables. Is the boat in salt water?

 

[jluchuk]

Re: Volve engine control problem

Thanks for the response. The boat is now in fresh water but when I bought it last year it had been in salt water for as long as I know. I hope to take it out of the water around Oct 8 and then can try the test you suggest. Where can I find Volvo controls rather than Teleflex. When I test the cables I know to disconnect them at the out drive shift connection but do I have to pull them back into the boat to test or should they be free right to the out drive? I have read and read and it was just recently I figured out I could change cables without pulling the out drive. There is very little I can find about shift problems and testing and exchanging cables. Your help is appreciated. Jerry

 

[Don S]

Re: Volve engine control problem

The SL3 is made by Teleflex for Volvo. I would bet that you have either a cable going bad, or they are out of adjustment or tied down too tight.
1. Bad cables. if a cable is worn from a lot of use, it can bind in the groove the inner cable cuts in the outer cable. With a 2000 boat, I doubt that is the problem.
2. Out of adjustment, well, if the throttle cable has too much preload on it, it can cause the shift to bind also, but the usual complaint is the throttle starts increasing before in gear. I find it quite often.
3. Cables tied down too tight. This one is real common on boats where the owners want to make everything too neat. They put wire ties on the cable real close to the control limiting the movement of the cables. They have to move to work. Make sure they have room to move, nothing blocking their movement (Long screws holding that new drink holder?) or wire ties holding up a lot of loose wires.

SL3 install/owners manual
http://teleflexmorse-eu.com/library/instructionmanuals/SL-3 Morse DRAFT6.pdf

 

[jluchuk]

Re: Volve engine control problem

Well today I finally got to testing the Volvo out drive shifting and the cables. Right now I have all the cables unhooked from both ends. I can move every cable with my fingers however some are a little stiffer than others. Since I can move the cables in and out with just my fingers does this mean they are OK or should they be very easy? The port throttle cable is the most difficult to move and the port shift gets a little stiff near the end of its travel. Other than that they seem to be OK. I have the SL3 head on my bench and that seems OK to. Is it possible that I am expecting too much. My problem is I do not know what is correct. I have a new SL3 control coming but will return it if it works the same as the one I have. I may be creating a problem. I have had problems with the unit sticking in the neutral position and not letting me shift after it is running. All I have to do is move either the port or starboard shift lever a little bit and the neutral button pops back out. I am confused. Any more advice you have would be appreciated. Thanks. Jerry

 

[jluchuk]

Re: Volve engine control problem

I am closing this thread because I have determined that the SL-3 controls are OK and the only problem I have is with the starboard cable which I will replace.