2002 SAN Python - takes 2 seconds and revs before transmission engages

[simplysanj]

Hi Guys,
I've got something that I'm hoping is not too serious happening to my boat this year, the transmission takes about 1-2 seconds before engaging and the engine revs a bit before it does. It runs fine once engaged. It used to engage to idle almost immediately. From all my searching, all I could find was some vaguely similar problems related to V-Drive oil pressure.

Any clues?

Thanks!
Sanj

[s_kelley2000]

From what you describe it sounds like your tranny might be slipping before it engages. I suppose it could be V-drive related as well but sounds more like transmission to me. Are both units properly filled up? How old is the fluid in both units? I think the manual calls for a 100 hr service interval on the tranny and 300 hrs on the V drive but I typically do both at 100 hrs. Off the top of my head I think the tranny calls for Dex Merc III which should be red and clear. If it is pink or you can not see through it you may have water mixed in with the tranny fluid. A likely culprit of water intrusion if that is the case is a leaky transmission cooler. I believe the V-drive calls for straight 30 motor oil.

[TRBenj]

Improperly adjusted throttle and/or transmission cables.

[simplysanj]

Thanks guys, I have the dealer winterize and check the boat every year but it's possible that the oil hasn't been changed for a while. The boat has about 450 hours on it, I will verify the service records and check the levels this weekend.

As for the transmission cables, is there any sure 'tell' that the cable is out of adjustment?

[TRBenj]

As for the transmission cables, is there any sure 'tell' that the cable is out of adjustment?

The engine will start to rev up before the transmission engages.

[simplysanj]

The engine will start to rev up before the transmission engages.

Which is exactly what it's doing - is this easy to service/verify or best left to a qualified tech?

[ski4evr]

Not sure why its out of adjustment now, but I would think you should be able to adjust the transmission cable tighter or the throttle cable looser so when you move forward on the lever , the transmission engages before the throttle opens. Should work the same for reverse as well. You should be able to move from forward to reverse without opening throttle for either event and still be at idle.

[simplysanj]

What I found was the oil was a bit low - I think it's the V-Drive, the lower of the two oil level guages. Also it seems like my dealer advanced the throttle adjustment 2 notches as you can see from the picture attached. I will try this weekend filling oil and moving the throttle adjust forward. I am not sure if this will impact the perfect pass cable which is attached to the other end of the throttle rod. Reverse is operating normally.

I will report back after adjustment. Thanks for all your help!

[NautiqueJeff]

Yep, I bet that adjustment will fix it. Listen to TRBenj. He knows a thing or two.

[surroundsound64]

Improperly adjusted throttle and/or transmission cables.

What he said.

[simplysanj]

Improperly adjusted throttle and/or transmission cables.

To close the loop on this, I adjusted the throttle back one screw hole and it now shifts while revving low so it's much smoother. Thanks guys, especially TRBenj for setting this straight....