Possible Transmission Issue

[MLampner]

Two weeks ago when I was out on Islander I noticed it didn't seem as much power in forward as I was used to, which isn't all that much as this is the original YSB-12 in the engine bay.

For what ever reason even though the gear lever seemed to be in the right position I gave it a small push forward and I seemed to get full power back. This happened once during that trip and I chalked it up to the weather being very warm and the cable having possibly expanded.

This Sunday my friend took her out for a two day sail. He has noticed the same problem and this time I can't blame the weather as the tempratures have greatly moderated, low 80's vs high 90's.

Is this simply a linkage issue or is there something more I should be worrying about. I have no idea how this transmission works is there a clutch or belts that could be slipping.

Any thoughts and help would be appreciated.

 

[Ed Schenck]

That is for sure a head scratcher. I'm with you in not knowing the internals of that transmission. But if the speed changes when you move the lever and the rpms are constant then what other explanation? If you could get a model number from the tranny I'd bet on Google for an in depth explanation.

 

[Steve Dion]

I would suggest that when this happens again you go below and try to manually engage the shift level on the transmission to see if there is any difference.

 

[Blaise]

Not knowing the engine hours, it could be the cone clutchs (2 of them) slipping, but is most likely a cable issue. I would suggest lubiricating the shift cable or replacing it first, before you get excited about the ttransmission. In any case, it is not the kiss of death. Midnight Sun's transmission was overhauled two years ago (sheared output shaft) for about three hundred bucks. That was with me doing the r&r.

 

[MLampner]

Thanks everyone the problem may have resolved itself, unfortunately I think the whole power plant may be on the way out.

I have had an ongoing problem with a broken tooth on the ring gear which some times means the starter doesn't engage properly. Unfortunately the only way to address that would be pull the engine. Ads this is a 34 year old engine its own health is questionable. Without 40 weight oil or heavier or adding the diesel equivalent of STP, I leave a travel of blue smoke. On its best days its underpowered.

Today went out for a sail, which is what I got, unfortunately the sail ended with a tow back to dock. I chose as my plan for the day to circumnavigate Hart Miller Island. For those who don't know the Chesapeake this is an Island north of Baltimore Harbor and South of Middle River where I tie up. I planned to sail down on its eastward side and motor back much or all the way on the west. The motor is needed as there is a very narrow 7 ft deep channel (about 15 feet wide) at the southern end and if you stray just a little from it you'll ground in seconds.

As I was solo sailing and am still rather new at it, 3/4s of the way to the southern tip, I decided to fire up the engine so I would have time to strike the sails and get into the channel without any problems.

Well so I thought, I turned the key, the starter wouldn't engage. I tried it again still no luck. I figured ok I'll get the handle and shift the engine a bit and that should get me past the bad part on the ring gear. Took down the main, as I wanted to slow the boat down as no auto pilot and I would be below, rolled in the genoa so I was moving at about 2 knots. Down I went pulled the steps pulled the steps found the handle turned the engine a bit cranked same sound no enagement. Looked down and realized the engine sump was full of what looks like engine oil. Pulled the dip stick, it showed the engine down a quart but still not empty. Not knowing where it was coming from decided a tow in would be the smarter idea. Knowing it was a busy Saturday on the bay and that I was a long way from where the local Boat US Tow boat often is I decided to sail back as I had come. So I had a lovely sail but when i got close to the river decided I better drop the sails and the hook and call for a tow.

Not sure what I will do next. I plan a new post on that subject. As to the question of hours on the engine, since I have owner her its got about 120 hours, problem is the PO left no log and the tach and hour meter don't work so no way of really knowing.

Stay tuned for the new post. Thanks for the thoughts, wish this were the only problem.