shifting from neutral to forward - slipage

[Bill Greenberg]

The last two times I've taken my 1991 Catalina 28 out, my engine doesn't shift easily into forward and I've had to go back into neutral once or twice before the engine shifts fully into forward. I suspect it is a problem with the cable connecting the shif lever to my engine mechanism. Anyone with similar problems? Its an 18 hp m-20 diesel.What do I need to do to fix it? Bill

 

[Trevor - SailboatOwners.com]

Engaging the transmission

Hi Bill -The first thing I would do would be to examine the throw on the transmission cable (i.e. how far does it travel). You can adjust this cable, and it's possible that the lever is set up to just barely engage the engine in gear. If you add a little more throw, you should be able to firmly engage the transmission without having to go back a forth on occasion.Best of luck,Trevor