Volvo sx drive - delayed reverse, doesn't seem fully engaged in forward

[Highlancer]

I have 2005 Monterey 214FS

This started with hesitancy when shifting into reverse, the rpm's would increase enough before it shifted that you would hear a "clunk" when it engaged. I avoided reverse after that happened, but then forward started having different issues, it shifts immediately into gear, but it seems like it's not fully engaging. e.g. previously when pulling up a wakeboarder you would get to speed very quickly, now it takes a lot longer to finally get up to speed. It seemed logical to me at that point that the cable(s) probably just needed adjusted, but I checked the throttle cable at the engine, it is hitting the stop when the shift lever is fully forward or in reverse. Pulled the cover off the outdrive and again the shift cable will fully engage either way. I checked the lower unit fluid and it's crystal clear (changed recently) and at the halfway mark. There is some slop in the mechanism as many have observed, but doesn't appear to be anything significant. The cables seem to be moving well, so I am scratching my head and googling everywhere to determine what to troubleshoot next, bad shift cones? The boat had ~200 hours on it.

I'm just a year into boat ownership, so I am not as educated as I would like to be yet. Appreciate your help!

 

[bruceb58]

What gear oil are you using?

 

[cptbill]

Make sure you check the shift cable on both ends and also check any clamps or brackets that are holding them in place

 

[Highlancer]

What gear oil are you using?

I couldn't tell you for sure as I had my marine mechanic change it this spring

 

[Highlancer]

Make sure you check the shift cable on both ends and also check any clamps or brackets that are holding them in place

Thank you for the suggestion. Wouldn't I see that manifested at the end of the cable if that were the case though? e.g. the cable not fully engaging the shifter or throttle? Thanks

 

[cptbill]

Depends, could be the cable is attached but the clip that holds it in place in the drive is loose

 

[Scott Danforth]

if your shift linkage is not adjusted, you could have toasted the cone clutches
if your mechanic used the wrong gear lube, you could have toasted the cone clutches

you adjust the shift cable back at the drive

stop using the boat until you figure it out.

 

[Highlancer]

if your shift linkage is not adjusted, you could have toasted the cone clutches
if your mechanic used the wrong gear lube, you could have toasted the cone clutches

you adjust the shift cable back at the drive

stop using the boat until you figure it out.

Thanks Scott - I haven't made any adjustments to it, that being said, it appears to be adjusted right currently. The mechanic I use is a volvo penta certified mechanic with a good history. Sure it's possible, but I would find it unlikely that he used the wrong lube.

Waiting my mechanic to free up to look at it...

 

[Sparkinator]

Mine was loading up before shifting. Reverse would rev pretty high. I changed my shift cable and it completely went away.

 

[Highlancer]

Mine was loading up before shifting. Reverse would rev pretty high. I changed my shift cable and it completely went away.

thanks, seems like that may be next move.