I have recently purchased the boat and the gear control lever is very 'notchy' and not precise when selecting either forward or astern. I have replaced the lever and the cable runs smoothly. I can only conclude now that it is the gearbox itself, unfortunately. Any suggestions please ?.
The engine is the D1-20 Volvo.
Easy to test - detach the cable from the gearbox and switch gears by hand.
Often it's just a misalignment where the center of the gear lever upstairs doesn't match with the center on the gearbox. The cable has an adjustment on both ends for that.
Thanks, I will try doing that again. Paul
I have the same issue. I disconnected cable at engine and both the gear change lever on gearbox and throttle lever are smooth. Only when connected back up is it notchy. Obviously indicating a cable problem but they seem fine. Squirted some teflon lubricant down them and it's a bit better but still not right.
Can't seem to find any good adjustment information... How do you centre cables at both ends?
You take the cable off the gearbox and center the gearbox lever. Center the cockpit lever (it has a spring-loaded ball that clicks into place in three positions - neutral, forward, reverse). Now attach the cable to the gearbox without pushing or pulling it, adjusting the nut so that the cable matches up exactly with the neutral position.
That's great, thanks. Will give it a go and report back.