350 MAG Bravo 3 Shift Problem

[denwatson]

Our 2007 240 Sundeck has performed without problems for the last six years. This year we are experiencing a shift problem. It will shift into reverse normally but when shifting into forward it seems like the gears partially engage then fully engage with increased RPM's. If applying full throttle as in pulling a skier a terrible "thunk" occurs then the gears fully engage. When shifting into forward at idle (650 RPM) the boat barely moves forward. Applying throttle it finally slips into gear at about 1000 RPM. Out mechanic adjusted the shift cable and idle, no help. The net blogs have lots of posts about this problem but no consensus solution. Any ideas would be welcome.

 

[paulswagelock]

Are you sure the correct lower unit oil (Mercruiser High Performance) was used?

 

[denwatson]

Are you sure the correct lower unit oil (Mercruiser High Performance) was used?

I honestly don't know, serviced by a boat company that deals with all kinds of repairs etc. even big 60 footers. I live 400 miles away from the boat so never see the actual servicing. The company has been managing the boat for six years no problems.

 

[dlvwill]

How many hours on the drive? If they were able to adjust the cable properly then I'd look at a worn cone clutch. Have you recently shifted the boat without the engine running? may have bent the shift fork

 

[scoflaw]

Cone clutch symptom... $350 part and an easy fix.

 

[tdgard]

When mine did this two years ago I was convinced it was a bad clutch. My mechanic talked me out of it and installed a new shift cable after adjustment did not work. It's been flawless ever since then.

 

[denwatson]

320 hours, adjustment slightly improved condition, never shift without engine running, don't know what a cone clutch is but will ask mechanic. Thanks.

 

[denwatson]

Mechanic has suggested the new shift cable and I'll authorize that. These 240SD's are great boats aren't they! Thanks.

 

[aerobat77]

had exactly the same , mechanic said it were the shift cables but it was the cone clutch . got at least a discount for useless change of shift cables and after finally replacing cone clutch anything is nice again .

 

[denwatson]

had exactly the same , mechanic said it were the shift cables but it was the cone clutch . got at least a discount for useless change of shift cables and after finally replacing cone clutch anything is nice again .

Agreed, cone clutch is the problem, making arrangements for a replacement. Thanks!