I am having a problem with the shift lever on my 1978 Hunter27 Edson wheel pedestal. The lever no longer wants to stay in forward gear when I push down, it does not click into a locked position as it used to. Do you think it is the linkage within the pedestal ( I hope not), or a problem with the transmission linkage at the engine. If I shift by hand at the engine it stays in gear, if I use the lever it does not lock in. Anyone have any experience with this? Thank you, Jim
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Pedestal inspection
Since you have already checked at the engine, the problem is likely inside the pedestal. My pedestal is opened at least once a year for one reason or another. This year to change out the throttle cable. Given the age of the boat plan on encountering stuck screws. I broke off at least one when opening the pedestal the first time. It is one of those "just do it jobs". It's not a real problem. Once you get inside the problem is likely the cable connection which needs tightening or reconnecting. Here is a link to the Edson manual (page 9) and at the bottom Edson, go to tech support. There is all kinds of help there. http://www.edsonmarine.com/support/PDFs/planning/EB381SteeringGuide.pdf
Since you have already checked at the engine, the problem is likely inside the pedestal. My pedestal is opened at least once a year for one reason or another. This year to change out the throttle cable. Given the age of the boat plan on encountering stuck screws. I broke off at least one when opening the pedestal the first time. It is one of those "just do it jobs". It's not a real problem. Once you get inside the problem is likely the cable connection which needs tightening or reconnecting. Here is a link to the Edson manual (page 9) and at the bottom Edson, go to tech support. There is all kinds of help there. http://www.edsonmarine.com/support/PDFs/planning/EB381SteeringGuide.pdf
I was going to say transmission until you said
that if you shifted by hand it would stay in gear. What you need is a cable adjustment as it seems the cable may have streched and no longer pulls the transmission lever far enough. Check your engine manual.
that if you shifted by hand it would stay in gear. What you need is a cable adjustment as it seems the cable may have streched and no longer pulls the transmission lever far enough. Check your engine manual.
Yep -- Pedestal Inspection Probably in Order
Dear Jim: Agree with Paul and Benny ... you will need to take things apart a bit to inspect. If the cable or the cable linkage mechanisms at the inside of the lever's axle inside the pedestal are loose, broken, or have become unaligned, then your movement of the handle won't transfer through the cable to the linkage at the engine's transmission housing enough to engage the gear. Last summer I completely removed and reinstalled the Yacht Specialties pedestal on my 1980 Cherubini 36. The steering mechanism was operating fine, but its removal was necessary to repair the cockpit sole's water saturated wood core through which the pedestal is fastened. I once saw a Cherubini Hunter 27' and it had the same pedestal as my 1980 36' (that is unless your pedestal has been replaced). When I had the pedestal disassembled on my boat, an item that caught my attention was the molded plastic housing into which the gear shift and throttle handles are set. While I was researching Yacht Specialties pedestals in preparation for my disassembly project, I read somewhere (probably deep in this forum’s archives) that people have had problems with the plastic housing breaking inside where the shift and throttle lever shafts and cables are anchored to the housing. The accounts cite that if a cable anchor or throttle handle breaks free inside, one might not be able to (say) shift out of forward into reverse. Or the throttle might get stuck at full (or idle). Or the broken-loose part could jam in the steering chain. Any of which would be a heart stopper for sure if the failure occurred (say) after committing to the final turn into a berth. When I had my part removed from the pedestal, I did discover the beginnings of a stress crack near one of the cable anchor points. The web references said that this pedestal part is no longer available and a casting shop would have to custom-make a replacement. I decided instead to reinforce all the potentially suspect areas by encasing/epoxying them with custom bent u-channels I made from stainless steel sheet metal. Then I poured in lots of West Systems epoxy all around to ensure that nothing could possibly ever break apart. Just thought to mention that aside from looking at the cable itself, you might also check the integrety of the pedestal housing where the throttle and transmission levers are. To do so, (from memory) first remove the pedestal compass. Then you should see four slot head screws that attach the compass housing to the throttle/gearshift housing section. Remove the 4 screws and take off the compass housing. You will now have a clear view off and adjustment access to the cable linkage section of the pedestal. When you move the handle, you most probably will be able to see what's amiss. regards, rardi
Dear Jim: Agree with Paul and Benny ... you will need to take things apart a bit to inspect. If the cable or the cable linkage mechanisms at the inside of the lever's axle inside the pedestal are loose, broken, or have become unaligned, then your movement of the handle won't transfer through the cable to the linkage at the engine's transmission housing enough to engage the gear. Last summer I completely removed and reinstalled the Yacht Specialties pedestal on my 1980 Cherubini 36. The steering mechanism was operating fine, but its removal was necessary to repair the cockpit sole's water saturated wood core through which the pedestal is fastened. I once saw a Cherubini Hunter 27' and it had the same pedestal as my 1980 36' (that is unless your pedestal has been replaced). When I had the pedestal disassembled on my boat, an item that caught my attention was the molded plastic housing into which the gear shift and throttle handles are set. While I was researching Yacht Specialties pedestals in preparation for my disassembly project, I read somewhere (probably deep in this forum’s archives) that people have had problems with the plastic housing breaking inside where the shift and throttle lever shafts and cables are anchored to the housing. The accounts cite that if a cable anchor or throttle handle breaks free inside, one might not be able to (say) shift out of forward into reverse. Or the throttle might get stuck at full (or idle). Or the broken-loose part could jam in the steering chain. Any of which would be a heart stopper for sure if the failure occurred (say) after committing to the final turn into a berth. When I had my part removed from the pedestal, I did discover the beginnings of a stress crack near one of the cable anchor points. The web references said that this pedestal part is no longer available and a casting shop would have to custom-make a replacement. I decided instead to reinforce all the potentially suspect areas by encasing/epoxying them with custom bent u-channels I made from stainless steel sheet metal. Then I poured in lots of West Systems epoxy all around to ensure that nothing could possibly ever break apart. Just thought to mention that aside from looking at the cable itself, you might also check the integrety of the pedestal housing where the throttle and transmission levers are. To do so, (from memory) first remove the pedestal compass. Then you should see four slot head screws that attach the compass housing to the throttle/gearshift housing section. Remove the 4 screws and take off the compass housing. You will now have a clear view off and adjustment access to the cable linkage section of the pedestal. When you move the handle, you most probably will be able to see what's amiss. regards, rardi
Which motor?
The reason I ask is the old Yanmars had a shifting cable that was about as thick as your finger, due to the older type of transmision. I had to reinstall once and it was a bear. While your at it inspect the idler pully mounting plate directly under the pedistal - if its like mine its steel and flaking cuncks of rust. I saw the Edison people at the boat show last weekend and they sell a replacement --for only $325 or so. That put me in a bad boat mood for the rest of the show
The reason I ask is the old Yanmars had a shifting cable that was about as thick as your finger, due to the older type of transmision. I had to reinstall once and it was a bear. While your at it inspect the idler pully mounting plate directly under the pedistal - if its like mine its steel and flaking cuncks of rust. I saw the Edison people at the boat show last weekend and they sell a replacement --for only $325 or so. That put me in a bad boat mood for the rest of the show
I guess I have to crack open...........
Thank you all for the time and thought it has taken for all of your detailed replies.......I sincerely appreciate the help. Randi, it is an SB-8, original engine. The Edson wheel system was added later(1990)by the previous and very meticulous PO original owner. I guess I have to go over to the boat this weekend and crack open that pedestal, inspect the linkage, as well as inspect the shift linkage and mounting plate below deck under the pedestal. I have always been afraid to remove the compass and open up the pedestal, I think someone once warned me that it can be very tricky, and I am not mechanical. I have had the feeling it is like taking apart a clock and trying to put it back together. Again, if the engine is running, I can shift and lock beautifully by grabbing the rigid shaft coming up from the tranny below deck, it all locks in place smoothly and perfectly. The weather should allow me to experiment with and investigate all of your suggestions this weekend, I really don't want to drop the boat off at Hinckley again for this fix $$$. I'd enjoy doing this myself and learning. Thank you, Jim
Thank you all for the time and thought it has taken for all of your detailed replies.......I sincerely appreciate the help. Randi, it is an SB-8, original engine. The Edson wheel system was added later(1990)by the previous and very meticulous PO original owner. I guess I have to go over to the boat this weekend and crack open that pedestal, inspect the linkage, as well as inspect the shift linkage and mounting plate below deck under the pedestal. I have always been afraid to remove the compass and open up the pedestal, I think someone once warned me that it can be very tricky, and I am not mechanical. I have had the feeling it is like taking apart a clock and trying to put it back together. Again, if the engine is running, I can shift and lock beautifully by grabbing the rigid shaft coming up from the tranny below deck, it all locks in place smoothly and perfectly. The weather should allow me to experiment with and investigate all of your suggestions this weekend, I really don't want to drop the boat off at Hinckley again for this fix $$$. I'd enjoy doing this myself and learning. Thank you, Jim
Edson Pedestal
I have a H27 1981 that I just redid the cockpit floor so I had the pedestal out and apart. There is only one spot inside the pedestal where the cable is clamped. thgere is a screw on the front of the pedestal that holds a bracket that makes fast both the shift and throttle cable. Both cables are notched to fit into this bracket. If your cable were loose from this bracket, you would be able to move it up and down from the underside of the cockpit floor. I would try that. It is fairly easy to remove the compass to look down the pedestal, but it is very difficult to work inside of it. I would also check where the cable housing is attached to the transmission to make sure it is in the proper place. If the cable housing has shifted here it can effect the amount of throw. When the shift is pushed into F at the pedestal, does the lever on the transmission go all the way?
I have a H27 1981 that I just redid the cockpit floor so I had the pedestal out and apart. There is only one spot inside the pedestal where the cable is clamped. thgere is a screw on the front of the pedestal that holds a bracket that makes fast both the shift and throttle cable. Both cables are notched to fit into this bracket. If your cable were loose from this bracket, you would be able to move it up and down from the underside of the cockpit floor. I would try that. It is fairly easy to remove the compass to look down the pedestal, but it is very difficult to work inside of it. I would also check where the cable housing is attached to the transmission to make sure it is in the proper place. If the cable housing has shifted here it can effect the amount of throw. When the shift is pushed into F at the pedestal, does the lever on the transmission go all the way?
Edson pedestal
Thank you Ted for this additional reply, and more help. I had a planned this Sunday to get over to the boat and have a look, but I am reminded by the admiral that it is Easter and "we" have plans , so hopefully I'll get there on Monday to check all of this out. I'm feeling very confident that I can locate and fix the problem myself from all of the replies. Be well all, Jim
Thank you Ted for this additional reply, and more help. I had a planned this Sunday to get over to the boat and have a look, but I am reminded by the admiral that it is Easter and "we" have plans , so hopefully I'll get there on Monday to check all of this out. I'm feeling very confident that I can locate and fix the problem myself from all of the replies. Be well all, Jim
PUSH THE CABLE
FIRST THING I WOULD DO IS TAKE THE CABLE OFF OF THE TRANSMISSION MOUNT. THEN MOVE THE LEVER BACK AND FORTH TO SEE IF THERE ARE ANY KINKS IN THE INNER CABLE. MY WAS KINKED AND HAD TO BE REPLACED. IT IS A JOB TO PUT DOWN THRU THE PEDASTALL AND THRU THE COCKPIT FLOOR, BUT WITH SOME CAPTAIN MORGAN, AND BEER CHASER, ANYTHING IS POSSIABLE. FEEL FREE TO CONTACT ME IF YOU NEED FURTHER HELP. robt.syl@sbcglobal.net ROBERT
FIRST THING I WOULD DO IS TAKE THE CABLE OFF OF THE TRANSMISSION MOUNT. THEN MOVE THE LEVER BACK AND FORTH TO SEE IF THERE ARE ANY KINKS IN THE INNER CABLE. MY WAS KINKED AND HAD TO BE REPLACED. IT IS A JOB TO PUT DOWN THRU THE PEDASTALL AND THRU THE COCKPIT FLOOR, BUT WITH SOME CAPTAIN MORGAN, AND BEER CHASER, ANYTHING IS POSSIABLE. FEEL FREE TO CONTACT ME IF YOU NEED FURTHER HELP. robt.syl@sbcglobal.net ROBERT
Robert....thank you <G>
Robert, thank you too, for your post. It's quite appropriate that you have mentioned Capt Morgan, I live on the stuff, but never while sailing or never until I complete a project. After a race and when the sails are down, only then will I open up the Captain and have a drink with my crew. Only at the end of the day. I have been thinking about trying the new Capt Morgan Silver??? Have you tried it? Any difference from Classic Spiced? I don't like Private Stock, everyone gives it to me because they think it is something special and they know I like Capt Morgan......I don't really like it, but we keep it by the stove and use it for cooking. A splash of Private makes a great crock pot dinner. I prefer Classic on ice for a drink. The last week or so I've had a nasty cold that I'm trying to shake, so I've sort of tried to stay away from the boat, and out of the wind. I did cheat and run over there last Monday to fire up the engine, and have a quick look, and straighten up inside a bit. I do see that there seems to be two adjustment nuts on the threaded end of the cable at the tranny, and it looks like I might be able to make an adjustment by fiddling around and adjusting them. I went below once again while the engine was idling, and I was able to shift and lock in forward and reverse perfectly and smoothly. I have a clue where to look from all of these reply posts, now I just need to shake this miserable cold, and mess around a bit. Of course, I could always have crew below to throw the shaft into forward or reverse all season.......haha. Be well, thank you for your reply. Regards, Jim
Robert, thank you too, for your post. It's quite appropriate that you have mentioned Capt Morgan, I live on the stuff, but never while sailing or never until I complete a project. After a race and when the sails are down, only then will I open up the Captain and have a drink with my crew. Only at the end of the day. I have been thinking about trying the new Capt Morgan Silver??? Have you tried it? Any difference from Classic Spiced? I don't like Private Stock, everyone gives it to me because they think it is something special and they know I like Capt Morgan......I don't really like it, but we keep it by the stove and use it for cooking. A splash of Private makes a great crock pot dinner. I prefer Classic on ice for a drink. The last week or so I've had a nasty cold that I'm trying to shake, so I've sort of tried to stay away from the boat, and out of the wind. I did cheat and run over there last Monday to fire up the engine, and have a quick look, and straighten up inside a bit. I do see that there seems to be two adjustment nuts on the threaded end of the cable at the tranny, and it looks like I might be able to make an adjustment by fiddling around and adjusting them. I went below once again while the engine was idling, and I was able to shift and lock in forward and reverse perfectly and smoothly. I have a clue where to look from all of these reply posts, now I just need to shake this miserable cold, and mess around a bit. Of course, I could always have crew below to throw the shaft into forward or reverse all season.......haha. Be well, thank you for your reply. Regards, Jim
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