Control-throttle & shift

[Slider]

Our Beneteau 37 has a Yanmar 30. Just started to have more play between gears. Brackets all seem fine and tight on the engine. How complicated is it to open up the control unit? I think the cable bracket could be loose or the shaft might be rotating a little in the cable arm. The throttle seems fine. The boat is a 2012 model. I was sailing yesterday and noticed the change, so I inspected the Transmission and throttle connections. I know you guys can help!

 

[Davidasailor26]

I presume the control looks something like this on the 2014?

Sorry I don't know how to disassemble it, but maybe the picture will inspire some others with ideas.

 

[dlochner]

A few questions. Yanmar makes a bunch of engines, which specific model do you have? How old is it? What kind of transmission, there should be a plate on the transmission with the model number and the gear ratio.

When you say "play between the gears" can you describe it better? Do you mean when shifting into either forward or reverse there seems to be some slippage, like the transmission doesn't engage quickly?

Have you checked the transmission fluid? Is there enough? What color is it?

The transmission has only 3 positions, forward, neutral, and reverse. The transmission is either in gear or not. The really long shot cheap problem will involve the connection between the cable and the transmission lever. If the clamping bolt has come loose the cable may be slipping causing the travel of the shift lever to be longer or the mounting bracket is loose causing the same issue. The more likely problem involves the internal mechanisms in the transmission and the transmission needs to be rebuilt.

If you have the same shift lever as @Davidasailor26 there is a set screw at the bottom of the shift lever. To remove the handle, remove the red cap and loosen the set screw, it is an Allen screw. The handle will slid off.

This is the model control you have, but I don't think this is the problem.

Side Mount Single Dual Function Lever Engine Control | West Marine

Check out our Side Mount Single Dual Function Lever Engine Control and more from West Marine!

www.westmarine.com

 

[Davidasailor26]

A few questions. Yanmar makes a bunch of engines, which specific model do you have? How old is it? What kind of transmission, there should be a plate on the transmission with the model number and the gear ratio.

When you say "play between the gears" can you describe it better? Do you mean when shifting into either forward or reverse there seems to be some slippage, like the transmission doesn't engage quickly?

Have you checked the transmission fluid? Is there enough? What color is it?

The transmission has only 3 positions, forward, neutral, and reverse. The transmission is either in gear or not. The really long shot cheap problem will involve the connection between the cable and the transmission lever. If the clamping bolt has come loose the cable may be slipping causing the travel of the shift lever to be longer or the mounting bracket is loose causing the same issue. The more likely problem involves the internal mechanisms in the transmission and the transmission needs to be rebuilt.

If you have the same shift lever as @Davidasailor26 there is a set screw at the bottom of the shift lever. To remove the handle, remove the red cap and loosen the set screw, it is an Allen screw. The handle will slid off.

This is the model control you have, but I don't think this is the problem.

Side Mount Single Dual Function Lever Engine Control | West Marine

Check out our Side Mount Single Dual Function Lever Engine Control and more from West Marine!

www.westmarine.com

You make some interesting points. The gear shift on mine doesn’t engage until it’s around the angle I showed in that picture, and going in reverse is about the same. It’s always been that way so I presume it’s by design. Once you get to the right angle there is a pretty distinct feeling of getting into gear, it’s not a blurry transition.

Assuming the OP’s 2012 is the same as my 2014 (as far as I know all the 37’s are the same), it’s a 3YM30 with a KM2P transmission.

 

[rgranger]

 

[dlochner]

You make some interesting points. The gear shift on mine doesn’t engage until it’s around the angle I showed in that picture, and going in reverse is about the same. It’s always been that way so I presume it’s by design. Once you get to the right angle there is a pretty distinct feeling of getting into gear, it’s not a blurry transition.

Assuming the OP’s 2012 is the same as my 2014 (as far as I know all the 37’s are the same), it’s a 3YM30 with a KM2P transmission.

Unfortunately I had the opportunities for many expensive lessons on transmissions and shifters last year.

What you describe is correct, shifting into gear is pretty positive and happens before engine speed is increased. Once in gear the shift lever on the transmission (to be technically correct the reverse gear or marine reverse gear) can continue to rotate without any effect on the transmission. The lever controls a cam which pushes the gears into forward or reverse. The cam allows the engine to be in gear and still allow for the shift lever to control the throttle. There is a specific tolerance for how far the cable can extend in either direction to engage the transmission. I think it is about 1 ⅜" but don't quote me on that. Unless something came loose on the cable connections, there wouldn't be any play. That's why I think the problem is not with the shifting mechanism, but rather internal to the transmission. Checking the transmission fluid's color will be an important clue. If he has the same transmission the fluid should be a nice clean brown. If there is any black in it the transmission will need rebuilding.

I happen to have the shift lever in my basement (part of the expensive story). I can take a photo of it tomorrow and post it if it would be helpful.

Here's a photo of how the shifter is mounted. The shroud on your shifter hides the mounting. Long story, this is temporary mounting plate I fabricated while anchored in Key West. You can see the spline the handle connects to.

 

[Slider]

The picture sent by David 26 is very similar to my unit. I think I will open it to see the inside. The lever has to go farther forward to get in gear than normal. Alsos must go farther back to get in reverse. I will take pics for the next post. Thank you!
.

 

[dlochner]

FWIW, here are photos of the shift mechanism. The transmission shift attaches to the one of the "wings". The throttle attaches to the center connection on the almost round piece.

The wings allows the shifter to be mounted on the starboard or port side by changing the wing it's attached to.

 

[Slider]

Dave, Great pictures! With this information, I think I can complete an inspection without Breaking something. Thank You!

Richard