Transmission problem

[petes018]

Hi folks. When I shift from neutral into gear (1985 ski nautique), the engine RPM's increase, then the tranny kicks into gear. There doesn't seem to be any 'slippage' at higher speed or with weight in the boat, but it is a most unsettling experience. Has anyone else come across this problem? Any advice as to whether it is a throttle/shift coupling issue, versus switch or actual tranny damage? Thank you!

[M3Fan]

RE: Transmission problem

First, check the fluid levels. Typically if the linkage is not adjusted right, the opposite will happen in reverse- it will kick in very early in the downstroke of the lever rather than late. What you can do is with the engine off in the driveway have somebody move the throttle lever back and forth and watch the linkage yourself. If it is truly fully in gear with the lever where it "kicks in" then you have a low fluid issue or something else. If it's not in gear fully at that point, could be linkage adjustments. If you can't find anybody, I've tied a rope around my throttle lever, looped it through the steering wheel and pulled on it to move the lever forward while watching the linkage.

[DavidF]

RE: Transmission problem

I answered this question on the "other" site...

Cut and pasted here:

This problem is usually cuased by inproper adjustment of the cable at the carburetor. Do the following:

1. Remove the ball socket throttle cable connection from the carburetor throttle arm.
2. Place the throttle lever IN GEAR, but at idle position.
3. Ensure that the transmission is fully ingaged in forward gear.
4. Adjust the ball socket on the throttle cable to smoothly attach to the ball on the throttle arm WITHOUT causing the throttle arm to move at all.

You are done and your problem will be solved.

If you adjust the throttle cable with the throttle lever in neutral, it is WRONG as a spring in the throttle control is not properly pre-loaded.

[M3Fan]

Transmission problem

Yep, that is also a possibility.

[efox]

RE: Transmission problem

I really think your symptoms sound like the tranny is beginning to end iteself. Ours did exactly the same thing, "slipping" when going into gear where I need to rev the engine a bit to get it to engage. It got worse and then reverse went out and the whole thing quit working. Have you noticed fluid in your bilge?

[petes018]

RE: Transmission problem

Well gentlemen, thank you for the suggestions. I got out to the boat and adjusted the throttle arm/cable linkage. It seems to work fine for 5 or 10 minutes, then the same problem. Reverse seemed ok, but even with me helping to ensure the transmission switch/lever was engaged, the engine would rev moderately, then a bit of a whirring noise from the transmission, and it would then it would start to spin. Sounding more ominous? I will change the fluid, but any further advice/prayers?

Thank you!

(also no fluid in the bilge Eric, sorry about the double posting Dave. Thank you both)

[M3Fan]

RE: Transmission problem

At this point, the final straw would be to get it in the water and disconnect the linkage on the trans shift lever entirely. Make sure someone else is in the boat with you and just push the lever forward with your hand on the trans itself. Takes the linkage out of the question entirely and puts that whole possibility to bed.

[petes018]

RE: Transmission problem

Update:
I changed the transmission fluid this week, and it was the colour of a strawberry milkshake. Water in the transmission? Refilled it, adjusted the throttle/shifter linkage and it worked great for about five minutes and the got worse. Now the bilge was strawberry and no tranny fluid. Needless to say, I was towed home. Am I correct in assuming there is a seal that is gone? I am going to fill up the tranny and winterize her, then get the transmission fixed in the spring. Thanks for all the help.

[NautiqueJeff]

RE: Transmission problem

Yeah, it sounds like your transmission cooler is allowing water into the fluid.

[efox]

RE: Transmission problem

You are getting water in likely the way Jeff says. Leak in the bilge is probably a rear seal. If it's just that, you won't be really expensive. Mine required a rebuild...several weeks and a thousand dollars! It is good now though!

[petes018]

transmission

Thanks guys. Does that mean there is a crack in the transmission cooler?

P.S. Jeff, how was the wake behind your 1994 nautique?

Cheers,
Matt

[efox]

RE: transmission

I'd say yes to the crack or your transmission has been underwater. You would have noticed the later for sure.

[petes018]

Funny you should mention that. The remnants of hurricane Katrina whipped my cover off and there was about 7" of water in the boat (listing to one side). The transmission was underwater. Any change in plans or issues that need to be addressed? I have been working 1 hr from home and trying to study for a board exam, so haven't had the chance to pull her out and get her to the transmission guys. Thanks.

Matt

[skinautique]

does your fluid look like pepto bismol? a white/pink color? If so, you will need to flush the fluid a couple of times to get all of the water out of there.

[petes018]

Yes, like a strawberry milkshake. A light creamy pink? (lovely). Do you flush it with transmission fluid, (i.e. fill and empty, fill and empty?) I don't think I have any way of emptying it from the bottom, so I just use a hand pump. Thanks, Matt.