Transmission Sticks in Reverse

[Dean Strong]

I recently purchased a 1990 H30 with a Yanmar 2GM20FV, and while sailing, always set the transmission in reverse so the shaft doesn't rotate. Problem is, as soon as I drop it into reverse, I can't get it out, forcing me to restart the engine in gear, in reverse. Will this hurt anything? It always starts fine. Is there just too much pressure on the prop to get it out of reverse? It has a three bladed prop, instead of the stock two bladed. Do where do most people leave their transmission while sailing? I was taught reverse, but am curious what others do.As long as the engine is running, or when she is at rest, it shifts fine.Any thoughts?

 

[Ken Osborne]

Stuck Tranny

I have had the same problem with 2GM20F, at times, not always. I found that if you put alittle pressure on the gearshift towards the neutral position and push the starter button for a split second so the engine doesn't crank or start, it will pop right into neutral slick and smooth as can be. That works every time and I have done this on a number of other boats with the same problem and not necessarily Yanmar engines and trannies. Good luck. Give it a try. I think you'll be happy with the results.

 

[Rich Stidger]

I think it is normal

I have a Volvo MD22L and have always experienced the same result.I simply start in gear and immediately shift out to neutral. In my opinion it is not a problem.Reverse is the gear of choice when sailing. Much has been written on this, check the archives.Although I think the gear sticking in reverse is normal, I would love to hear a technical explaination of the condition.Rich

 

[John]

2GMF20, Stuck in Reverse

I usually leave the gear shift in reverse and sometimes forget to put in neutral before starting. Starts fine and doesn't seem to hurt anything. But, when I do think about it, I don't have any trouble moving the gear shift from reverse to neutral.. before starting...

 

[Bryan C.]

Stop the boat

If you stop the boat before trying to shift, it should shift easily. It is the water pressure on the prop that locks it.