Yanmar 3GM30 Slips when trying to engage in forward

[william24424]

Happens more often when engine is hot. Last year I'd keep in gear through mooring field because drifting in crowded mooring field = not fun. She doesn't skip once engaged. Boat is currently on hard & I'd like problem resolved before spring. My research so far has said.

1) Shift Cable and Linkage Adjustment (Most Common) I'd hope this one is right, seems like easier/cheaper fix.
2) Transmission Oil Issues- Possibly, marina handles engine oil changes, I suppose I could check this even in off-season, maybe taste oil or apply to a salad.
3) Worn Cone Clutch -This seems like a complex repair, engine was built in 1988, I'm' not sure where to start.

Any thoughts or has anyone done this dance before & could summarize the steps. Thank you.

 

[kloudie1]

Unfortunately, troubleshooting that problem is best done in the water where a load can be put on the propeller. You've pretty well got the items to investigate except for the adjustment of the shift plate on the transmission itself.. The manual says to not mess with it so if you don't see evidence of the shift plate moving or having moved, probably best to not mess with that part. The oil required will be listed on a plate on the side of the gearbox.. usually on the starboard side. Your engine may have had either a gearbox that requires straight 30 weight engine oil or it could have a gearbox that requires ATF (automatic transmission fluid) The plate will tell you which.
There is a shop manual for the engine and transmission on this site. Click on "Owner Resources" then on "General Downloads" then scroll down to Yanmar and your engine and gearbox is there.. Good luck.