Transmission Not Working

[Plymouth Sailor]

Dear Fellow Sailors,

I have been using my new-to-me boat for the season without issue. Last week I went for a sail and the transmission wouldn‘t go into gear. I had to sail my boat to the mooring (thank God the wind cooperated that day). Checked the fluid and it seemed to be relatively empty so I filled it up. It still doesn’t go into gear and sounds as if - in neutral - it is slightly grinding. Does it sound shot? Any suggestions appreciated! Kubota engine not sure of the transmission make.

Thank you,
Mark

 

[Tally Ho]

We will probably need to know the brand/model of engine and transmission to be of much help…

But one or 2 thoughts:

1) Can you verify that the shifter is pushing the cable and actually moving the transmission lever?
2) Can you move the transmission lever manually at the tranny (instead of using helm lever)?

When you last used the boat, did you sail with it in gear ? FWD or REV?

Greg

 

[Sailor Sue]

Dear Fellow Sailors,

I have been using my new-to-me boat for the season without issue. Last week I went for a sail and the transmission wouldn‘t go into gear. I had to sail my boat to the mooring (thank God the wind cooperated that day). Checked the fluid and it seemed to be relatively empty so I filled it up. It still doesn’t go into gear and sounds as if - in neutral - it is slightly grinding. Does it sound shot? Any suggestions appreciated!

Thank you,
Mark

I think people here are going to need a little more information - make of engine, model of transmission, whether you verified that the lever on the transmission is actually moving when you move the shift lever, does the engine lever fully engage when you move the shift lever, does reverse engage...

 

[sail sfbay]

Inboard or outboard?

 

[Plymouth Sailor]

Inboard or outboard?

Inboard

 

[Plymouth Sailor]

We will probably need to know the brand/model of engine and transmission to be of much help…

But one or 2 thoughts:

1) Can you verify that the shifter is pushing the cable and actually moving the transmission lever?
2) Can you move the transmission lever manually at the tranny (instead of using helm lever)?

When you last used the boat, did you sail with it in gear ? FWD or REV?

Greg

Good thoughts, I should try tugging on the cable since it may have come loose. Did not sail with motor in gear.

 

[Tally Ho]

Good thoughts, I should try tugging on the cable since it may have come loose. Did not sail with motor in gear.

Try shifting the transmission lever right on the tranny and let us know if you can shift it there.

Greg

 

[Claude L.-Auger]

Good suggestion from Greg. I'd add that if your boat is secured at a dock, make sure that lines are tight, then start the engine and go to the tranny to try to engage it manually, forward and reverse. If it does you'll see the shaft turn either clockwise or counterclockwise and you'll feel the boat lurch on the lines. That tells you the tranny is OK and your problem lies with the cable or the link. If you engage it manually and nothing happens then you're in for tranny repairs.