[C320-list] Very stiff shifting of Perkins M-30

[Louis Spitz via C320-list]

It’s hard to shift from neutral to forward to reverse. I have a 1995 Perkins M-30. This has been an ongoing situation.
Any suggestions appreciated.
Thanks
Lou Spitz
#195 Merry Chase

[SV Osprey via C320-list]

I had the same issue and just drained and topped off the transmission fluid (sw-30) in my case. Works much smoother now.
Elan
Sv Osprey
1997 Catalina 320 #451

> On Jun 17, 2024, at 9:05 AM, Louis Spitz via C320-list <c320...@lists.catalina320.com> wrote:
>
> It’s hard to shift from neutral to forward to reverse. I have a 1995 Perkins M-30. This has been an ongoing situation.

[Bob Borelli via C320-list]

I'm not sure of your problem.

The Hurth transmission manual states wait 2 seconds in neutral when shift from forward to reverse.

Shift from forward to neutral, wait 2 seconds, then shift into reverse. etc.

Also fill the transmission fluid to the mark on the dip stick. Dip stick not screwed into place.
I use a hand pump to remove trans fluid then add new to the dip stick mark level.

Bob Borelli 1995 C320 no. 209 Sassafras River MD

________________________________
From: C320-list <c320-lis...@lists.catalina320.com> on behalf of SV Osprey via C320-list <c320...@lists.catalina320.com>
Sent: Monday, June 17, 2024 9:29 AM
To: C320...@catalina320.com <C320...@catalina320.com>
Cc: SV Osprey <svospre...@gmail.com>; c320...@lists.catalina320.com <c320...@lists.catalina320.com>
Subject: Re: [C320-list] Very stiff shifting of Perkins M-30

[Charles Holbrook via C320-list]

Lou
Do you have feathering or folding prop?  Nine years ago right after I bought my 1995 Catalina with a Perkins 30 I had the same problem with the shifter getting stuck in reverse.  I had to shut engine off to get it shifted back into neutral.  After I removed the transmission and the shop found no problem, I had the boat hoisted up and found that one of the three blades on my feathering prop did not articulate freely and  kept getting stuck..  I changed the prop to the standard brass three bladed prop and the problem went away. If you have a feathering or folding prop you might put on a mask and snorkel and test the blades with your hand to see if they all move freely.

[Mark Seyler via C320-list]

Also, try disconnecting the cable at the transmission end, to see if the resistance is in the cable or the transmission. If it’s still stiff at the helm with the cable disconnected, you need to either lubricate or replace the cable. If the cable moves freely, the problem is in the transmission.

Mark Seyler
S/V Reality,
Catalina 320, #232
New Orleans, LA

[Louis Spitz via C320-list]

Thanks,
I’ll give that a try.
Lou

[Louis Spitz via C320-list]

Thanks,
A good approach, which I will try.
Lou

[Louis Spitz via C320-list]

Where can I get a new shifting cable for my 1995 #195 C320? My engine is a 1995 Perkins M30.
Thanks.
Lou Spitz
Merry Chase, #195
Nyack, MY

> On Jun 17, 2024, at 12:37 PM, Mark Seyler via C320-list <c320...@lists.catalina320.com> wrote:
>

[Troy Dunn via C320-list]

Catalina Direct actually seems to carry the Glendinning cables at a
reasonable price. Not sure what shipping and handling will do but start
there for price to compare.

Teleflex provides a similar product and the Morse cable that was originally
installed was replaced and enhanced when Teleflex bought Morse.

A lot of reviews seem to indicate that the Glendinning cable is a better
product.

If you are going to replace the shift cable it may make sense to replace
the throttle at the same time. Also it’s probably time to service the
wheel chain for steering as well as replace the wheel brake… as long as you
are diving down the rabbit hole, consider checking the steering cable for
wear.

Good luck and let us know what you end up buying and doing.

Troy Dunn
Hull #514