shifter problems

[tjstrike]

I have an 85 Bayliner capri 2.1 w/ volvo penta aq125a 4 cylinder. I'm having problems with it shifting in and out of neutral and was wanting to replace the shifter, are these universal fits to the aftermarket styles they are selling today or will I have to do a lot of modifications to get them to work ? It's a single stick side mount. Any help is appreciated.

 

[Don S]

Re: shifter problems

Are you sure it's the shifter? They don't go bad as often as one might think. The cables are what causes the shifting problems most of the time.<br />What kind of a problem are you having?<br />To answer your question, you can get aftermarket shifters, just make sure they will work on your 270 or 280 outdrive.

 

[tjstrike]

Re: shifter problems

I just bought the boat last fall and this was the first time I took it out on the water, I had a hard time getting it into gear at first, then I drove it around for about 30 mins., then I stopped and it died and I couldn't get it back out of gear to start it, I ended up rowing to shore and loading it back on the trailer. I'm brand new to boating so this is all greek to me. Thanks

 

[JAL51974]

Re: shifter problems

I have the same setup. have you checked the way the shifter handle fits into the notches in the metal disc behind the shifter handle? I had to adjust mine so that it would easily shift- hard to describe, like the two parts did not mate up correctly. this should be a single handle, with one button that releases it from neutral into gear.

 

[tjstrike]

Re: shifter problems

That's what I'm going to check first thing when it finally stops raining here, it seems as if my handle is rotating around to far, it will go straight down and I think that's too far, thanks for the input.

 

[Don S]

Re: shifter problems

It's real easy to check the cable. Just disconnect the cable at the drive and see if it works. Also operate the shifter on the drive without the cable. If it does move, have someone hold the end of the cable (at drive end) to put some resistance on the cable, while you try to shift it. (Go slowly, don't want to damage fingers at the other end) if it increases the pressure you feel on the shifter, replace the cable.<br />IF the cable won't move while disconnected, then you have to disconnect it from the shifter and see if the shifter then moves freely. OR the cable is froze up.<br />NORMALLY, when a cable is froze up completely, after you disconnect from the drive, you can't move the inner cable free play on the drive end either.

 

[tjstrike]

Re: shifter problems

Thanks for the info Don, I need all that I can get. LOL

 

[Bsturkie]

Re: shifter problems

BayBay, I have an '86 Bayliner thats undergoing restore. Don knows what he is talking about, I'd try that solution. I have done much work and will be happy to give you any info that I may have. <br /> http://www.shareaproject.com/pages/projectTut,p,219,00.html

 

[hannu]

Re: shifter problems

I'm also having a problem with shifter or gears. The sterndrive is 275A. Usually the gear just sticks and I can't get it back to neutral. I've checked the cable and it seems to be ok.<br /><br />I'm pretty sure that the problem is in the upper gear housing, that I have also checked (removed, cleaned the and replaced the oil seal in the eccentric piston etc.) and<br />after all that it still seems sticky trying it manually. I tried adding some washers with the shims in the piston screw which pushes the shift shoe and it seemed to work a little better, but is that ok? Now the shims added with the washer are twice as thick as it used to be. Can it harm the gear shift mechanism? <br /><br />Are there any suggestion or anything else I could do? Is this typical problem with this drive?<br /><br />-Hannu

 

[Don S]

Re: shifter problems

hannu, best to start a new thread when you have a problem.<br />No, adding shims will cause more and different problems. I'll answer why when you repost.

 

[tjstrike]

Re: shifter problems

Thanks for the help everyone, I found my problem, it was in the corroded fuse box under the instrument gauge, I've since taken it out and cleaned it and put in all new fuses. I also found a problem with the lower drive after I found the igniton problem, in forward the propeller was very rough turning, turns out that the drive had no oil in it. After I put oil in it and turned it by hand for a while it's turning nice and smooth. Hopefully the previous owner didn't run it too long empty like that !!

 

[tjstrike]

Re: shifter problems

BSTURKIE, I also am a fan of the BADGER, badger, badger, badger, badger, badger, badger, badger, mushroom song. That is where you got your banner from isn't it ?

 

[Don S]

Re: shifter problems

I don't think your problems are over, if you had it out on the water with no oil in the drive and ran it, there can't be much left of any bearings or gears or that cone clutch, they just don't last without lube.