wont shift into reverse

[bba]

Hello,
I have a 1996 volvo penta 4.3l The shifter had been a little hard to get into gear, but with a little wiggling it goes forward or reverse, until today. When I attempted to put it in reverse it would only go forward. I was able to remove the shifter just enough to expose the cable. I clamped a needle nose vice grip onto the cable in front of the bracket that the cable goes through, which allowed it to shift into reverse. It seems there's a keeper clip missing, is this right? Does anyone know what part it may be, and where I can get a replacement? Where can I get a manual for this, my shop manual doesn't have info on this part. Thanks

(Its amazing how much damage you can do to your boat when you're trying to dock near rocks, and you suddenly have no reverse, and reverse is also forward!!! Big time suckie!!)

 

[Don S]

Re: wont shift into reverse

The shifter had been a little hard to get into gear, but with a little wiggling it goes forward or reverse, until today. When I attempted to put it in reverse it would only go forward. (Its amazing how much damage you can do to your boat when you're trying to dock near rocks, and you suddenly have no reverse, and reverse is also forward!!! Big time suckie!!)

It's amazing how not fixing a problem can eventually lead to running into the rocks. Makes you wish you had looked into the problem when it first occured doesn't it.

Anyway, the cable is probably bad, replace it. Don't have a clue what shifter you have, so can't comment on the keeper or manual.

 

[bba]

Re: wont shift into reverse

No kidding! (I guess I should have left out the damage part!!)I'm a first time boat owner and am learning the hard way on few things!! There are no markings on the shifter, so how can I tell which one it is? Would a picture help you at all? thanks...

 

[Don S]

Re: wont shift into reverse

Yep, post a picture.