NOOB odd shift maybe nothing

[LAMudbug]

I have a 2002 mercruiser 3.0 that when I put it in forward and reverse I get a grinding noise from the gears before it engages. I have not changed outdrive gear oil yet. Could old oil cause this problem. I also will be taking it to be serviced and have the cables properly adjusted. Could the cables be causing this. Also when I'd does engage sometimes it seams to shift in kinda hard. It makes a clunk sound. Any input appreciated. Thanks in advance.

 

[zbnutcase]

Re: NOOB odd shift maybe nothing

You MUST shift into gear with a quick, firm motion, DO NOT ease it into gear, you will wear out the dog clutch and gear. And yes, a stiff cable, especially the lower can cause hard shifting, among other things. And being an 02, it could well be ready for one as the original might still be in it. 'nutcase

 

[Fishermark]

Re: NOOB odd shift maybe nothing

What he said. ^^^^^^

And the "clunk" is perfectly normal. The slow grinding you want to avoid.

 

[Dshow]

Re: NOOB odd shift maybe nothing

Is the "clunk" a Mercruiser thing? Does Volvo not have the "clunk"?

 

[Don S]

Re: NOOB odd shift maybe nothing

The other thing to look at is the idle rpm. You need to be between 650 and 700 rpm at idle, (in gear while in the water).
If you are idling at 800 +, you can't shift fast enought to stop the ratcheting.

Is the "clunk" a Mercruiser thing? Does Volvo not have the "clunk"?

Basically, no. They have a cone clutch. But if you have to high an idle rpm they can cluck a bit. Add a stainless prop and high idle rpm the Volvo will make a an Alpha sounding clunk.

Put a SS prop on an Alpha with a high idle and you can really damage things.