AQ280 hard shift to reverse

[Ciera2450]

Hello all,
Just went thru the drive and replaced both bellows and all bushings and the required seals/orings.
Anyways this problem occured before this work.

I thought perhaps doing what I did and properly adjusting the drive controls, things might clear up with the hard shift to reverse.
IT DID NOT!

What are some likely causes for this?


Btw, No problems going into forward gear. Only reverse.
Reverse does engage, it just takes a lot more force on the lever.
Any insight is helpful...Thanks.

 

[Don S]

Re: AQ280 hard shift to reverse

Look at your shift cable at the drive. From neutral, does your cable pull in for reverse, or push out on the linkage.

 

[Ciera2450]

Re: AQ280 hard shift to reverse

Howdy Don,
cable pulls in for reverse, pushes out in forward.

 

[Don S]

Re: AQ280 hard shift to reverse

Disconnect the cable at the drive. Take the prop off. Then start it on muffs and turn the linkage by hand to see if the drive feels about the same both directions. If it feels ok, Shut it off. The have someone hold and put pressure on the cable end by hand and see if that changes the feel of the cable. you shouldn't be able to feel any difference between someone holding it and not holding it. If you do, you need a cable.

 

[Ciera2450]

Re: AQ280 hard shift to reverse

Thanks for the help Don...

I removed cable at the drive.

With zero tension, the cable pulls smoothly inward (reverse)
Just my fingers pulling back on it causes the shift to become much more difficult.

So, it appears I need a new cable then?
That really sucks. lol

 

[Don S]

Re: AQ280 hard shift to reverse

That really sucks. lol

Not near as bad as if it was the drive that was problem.

 

[Ciera2450]

Re: AQ280 hard shift to reverse

Ya, I guess drive issues would be worse! I just put the darn thing back together!

I suppose I have to remove the original cable to measure and determine the length needed for my boat....
Order a new one, unmount the drive (AGAIN) and run new cable.
I'm taking her to the lake next weekend and am gonna run as is for the weekend. I have paddles if needed. lol I'm on a small lake so a breakdown isn't a huge deal. (i have friends who live on the lake to come get me!)
Any place to get the info on length of cable needed for my particular model boat?

 

[captmello]

Re: AQ280 hard shift to reverse

I replaced my shift cable a couple years ago and was able to take numbers off the old cable to order the new one. I recall the length was labeled in inches along with a bunch of other numbers on the cable sleeve. You shouldn't have to remove any of the outdrive to replace the cable. If you can't find any numbers, then yes, you'll need to remove and measure.

 

[Ciera2450]

Re: AQ280 hard shift to reverse

thanks captmello!
I'll poke around for some numbers on the cable. I'd like to use what i have while waiting for a new one....
It's freaking hot here in Georgia! I was in the aft bunk mounting a new fuel sending unit and I must of lost 10lbs in sweat! HOT!

 

[Ciera2450]

Re: AQ280 hard shift to reverse

Been tearing into the trailer the past few days.....and buffing.
I will get back to the control cable very soon and will update.
Ever feel like you may have too many "projects" going on at once?

Of course you all do.....You own boats.