Adjusting forward-reverse linkage Cat 27

[Howard Zwicker]

I need some tips on fixing a problem I'm having shifting into reverse. I get forward and neutral with no difficulty, but it will seldom go into reverse. Boat is a 1980 Cat 27; engine is a 4-cylinder Atomic, which I assume is the original. How do I determine whether the problem is in the external control linkage or something in the drive train itself? Which is it most likely to be, and what am I up against in either situation? Also, can this problem be fixed with the boat in the water?

 

[Kevin]

Trans info

Hello Howard, I would start by removing the linkage cable from your transmission bracket. This will allow you to move, by hand, the transmission lever from forward to neutral to reverse. If you can’t engage reverse I would assume it is the trans. I would also move your shifting lever topside to see if the cable in its jacket is not binding. I know that here in Seattle, many engine repair people replace and fix engines and transmissions while the vessel is still in the water. From your e-mail address on your note it looks like you are in NJ. I would call Mack Boring and ask to speak to the transmission dept and I’m sure they must have a check list that will allow you to determine what item has failed. Mack Borings number is 908-964-0700. Hope this helps. Kevin L. Woody

 

[Rob R.]

More on Cable

As Kevin mentioned, disconnect the shift cable.You will find it is attached to a tall lever on the starboard aft side of the engine. With the cable disconnected, fire the engine and go below (make sure you have adequate ventilation, as CO will build quick if you have a leak).In the engine room (if you can call it that) you will see that the lever is a tall, gold (depending on engine paint) lever that is connect on the aft starboard side of the engine, just behind the water pump. Use this lever to shift. If you are able to go to forward and reverse,then you know your problem is in the linkage. Try lubing it with a teflon based grease.If the shifter fails to engage reverse, try the site below, or check the Atomic 4 mailing list at Sailnet.com. They are a great resource. Adjusting the linkage on these engines is a common task, and somewhat easy to do (I hear). You can also e-mail me at communications@austin.rr.comBest of Luck!Rob

 

[Geoffrey Jackson]

Watch while somebody shifts

I had to replace the transmission cable a while ago. It really helped the adjusting process to have someone move the shift lever for me while I watched the transmission lever move. This will give you an idea on where the linkage is to start with. I made a little sketch of where the transmission lever was when the shift lever was in neutral, forward, and reverse. Came in handy when I was putting the new cable on and clamping it down.

 

[Gary D'Amco]

A Suggestion to your linkage problem

I have the same sort of circumstance now on my Catalina 30. Things to determine if it is transmissionDisconnect the cotter pin that secures the pin on the linkage at the engine.While running you can simply manuallymove the shift lever on the transmission to see if that is your problem. If it works fine then its your linkage. That can be adjusted byturning (extending or contracting the distance that the linkage travels.Make small changes. If you go to far then you will get reverse but noForward Etc. the other thing that happens that the braket that securesthis cable further back to the hull itself could be loose causing it not too be able to travel full distance.Best of Luck. I am going to replace mine entirely. It only screws up when your in a tricky docking situation and your sitting there dead in the water large audience seated eating popcorn and your frantically trying to get fromforward to reverse.Who said boats don'thave a sense of humor. When it doesn 't matter it works fine.GD