Click for Perko Click for Northern Lights Click for Ocean Alexander Click for Glendinning Click for Westport

Hard to shift

Discussion in 'Technical Discussion' started by 1000 islands, Jul 27, 2015.

You need to be registered and signed in to view this content.
  1. 1000 islands, Jul 27, 2015
    #1
    1000 islands

    1000 islands Member

    Joined:
    Apr 20, 2013
    Messages:
    203
    Location:
    Ivy Lea
    In my continuing saga with my boat and a mechanic I am now seeking help with something else.

    I have twin 454 Merc's with Velvet Drive transmissions.

    I few weeks ago when my boat came back from the shop having work being done on the port side, it was difficult to pull the port side transmission from forward into neutral. From reverse to neutral was normal.

    Now after again being in the shop it was returned to me on Friday after having work done on the starboard starter & flywheel and it too is very difficult to pull from forward into neutral....in fact at one point yesterday I had to shut the port engine down as I couldn't get it from forward to neutral.

    I have looked and I can't see where it might be kinked near the transmission.

    Oh yea, the mechanic mentioned that the neutral safety switch had some how broken off and needs to be repaired....................

    What is the best way to check the tranny fluid, running, hot, cold at dock.....

    Any suggestions, beside get a new mechanic
  2. NYCAP123, Jul 27, 2015
    #2
    NYCAP123

    NYCAP123 Senior Member

    Joined:
    Mar 14, 2008
    Messages:
    11,205
    Location:
    Long Island, NY
    Check that the cable casing is secured. There's a clip that often comes undone. After having it happen on a few boats I recommend securing it with a cable tie. "the neutral safety switch had some how broken off"????? Yes a new mechanic sounds good. In the mean time be VERY careful that you're in neutral when starting.
  3. 1000 islands, Jul 27, 2015
    #3
    1000 islands

    1000 islands Member

    Joined:
    Apr 20, 2013
    Messages:
    203
    Location:
    Ivy Lea
    Where is the clip located ?

    And yes, very careful about neutral.
  4. chesapeake46, Jul 27, 2015
    #4
    chesapeake46

    chesapeake46 Senior Member

    Joined:
    Jul 26, 2009
    Messages:
    1,781
    Location:
    Chesapeake Bay, Delaware Bay & S.Jersey
    Try to disconnect the cable from the transmission, and see if the problem persists. This will isolate the problem to the cable or the tranny.
  5. RT46, Jul 27, 2015
    #5
    RT46

    RT46 Senior Member

    Joined:
    Feb 22, 2011
    Messages:
    1,058
    Location:
    Long Island, NY
    I agree with Chesapeake46, you have to rule out the cabe
  6. NYCAP123, Jul 28, 2015
    #6
    NYCAP123

    NYCAP123 Senior Member

    Joined:
    Mar 14, 2008
    Messages:
    11,205
    Location:
    Long Island, NY
    near the end of the cable casing. It holds the casing stable so the cable within will slide.