Volvo Penta gear lever, how hard should it be>

[boataway]

I have a 2003 Volvo Penta side mount transmission gear lever and box that is kind of difficult to move around. At lease compared to the couple other boats I've driven recently. A mechanic told me that the whole box needs to be replaced and quoted me something like $750 for the job. I believe it's less than two hours and something I could do IF I can find the part.

How do I go about locating the part? It's a 5.7 GXI-D DuoProp unit. I heard I can get a Volvo part or a generic part. I wouldn't mind the upgrade to a shiner unit but don't want to shell out big bucks...

 

[Scott Danforth]

first, most likely its your shift cable

second, you should do some diagnosis

third, the volvo shop manuals go into detail on the types of controls

 

[boataway]

I suggested that it was the cables too based on my internet reading experience. But they said it was the box. I'll try to find my manual and see about the box. Kind of hoping someone had done it and could reccomend something (perhaps non-Volvo Penta priced).

I don't have easy access to the boat since they have it dry docked at their facility. But when I get it back I'll try to disconnect the cables and see if they move freely. Uncharted territory for me!

 

[Lou C]

There will be 2 cables, a throttle cable and shift cable. Due to the fact that the shift cable has to snake around the engine and out the transom it is more likely to get stiff from internal corrosion. The throttle cable just goes from the control to the throttle lever on the carb or throttle body. I have seen controls on Volvos built in the last 15 years or so and they look like a Teleflex CH series with a Volvo label on it. These have a strong neutral detent but are very smooth in operation if the cables are good.

 

[boataway]

The cable is indeed free flowing. Pretty easy to move with just a little tug using my fingers. here are some pictures of the "box". How do I located a good priced one? Or has anyone had success with rebuilding or lubing these things?

 

[Scott Danforth]

There are 3 moving parts to the controls. Should be easy to fix

 

[Bondo]

There are 3 moving parts to the controls. Should be easy to fix

Ayuh,..... Probably just needs to be greased,....

 

[Lou C]

that looks like the Teleflex (Seastar) control. Try to find an instruction sheet for it on line to see if you can take it apart (hope you marked which hole the throttle and shift cables go in) to lube it.

http://www.seastarsolutions.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/CH1700-7500-7600-Rev.4-ISCH7500.pdf

this one?

 

[Lou C]

Prob just need to use a squirt oil can to lube the pivots. Worth trying because these cost like $300 new...