Volvo Shift Issues

[dishwillow]

I have a Volvo Penta 3.0 GS-B. I've started having trouble shifting into gear. Initially it was an intermentent problem, but of late it has become a constant issue. I'm having trouble shifting into or out of gear. I can force the control into gear and the engine will rev up then slam into gear. Once engaged, the control moves more freely

I discovered that this is only a problem when the drive is trimmed down. If I trim the drive up, I can shift into and out of gear with ease.

I'm making the assumption that my shift cable is going bad. Any suggestions?

Thanks!

 

[Sparkinator]

Re: Volvo Shift Issues

That's where I would check first. It's the cheapest and easiest fix.

The drive position points to the cable as well.

I'm having similar issues with my drive and I recently found the shift cable was worn out and broken. It was also 15 years old, so somebody got their moneys worth. I haven't gotten my new one in yet to try out, but I've got my fingers crossed.

 

[dishwillow]

Re: Volvo Shift Issues

That's where I would check first. It's the cheapest and easiest fix.

The drive position points to the cable as well.

I'm having similar issues with my drive and I recently found the shift cable was worn out and broken. It was also 15 years old, so somebody got their moneys worth. I haven't gotten my new one in yet to try out, but I've got my fingers crossed.

Thanks. Mine's an 02, so I'm looking at an 8 year old cable. To test the cable, I know to disconnect from drive. Any other good suggeston for testing the cable?

 

[Don S]

Re: Volvo Shift Issues

When you disconnect the cable from the drive it will probably move easily. Have someone try to hold the cable from moving while you slowly move the control handle. if you feel resistance, the cable is bad.

 

[dishwillow]

Re: Volvo Shift Issues

When you disconnect the cable from the drive it will probably move easily. Have someone try to hold the cable from moving while you slowly move the control handle. if you feel resistance, the cable is bad.

Thanks Don! I am out of town until Monday. Will report back.

 

[dishwillow]

Re: Volvo Shift Issues

When you disconnect the cable from the drive it will probably move easily. Have someone try to hold the cable from moving while you slowly move the control handle. if you feel resistance, the cable is bad.

i disconnected the cable and it moved freely. i did feel resistance when the cable was held. one thing i did notice is that when the drive was trimmed down and the cable clamp was loose (not fully removed, but loose) it did seem to shift fairly easily. once the clamp was tightened, not so much.

looks like the next step is to replace the cable. is there a trick to determine what size cable i need without removing the old cable first?