Axius Joystick Question . . .

[tpenfield]

My next step into the journey of digital Mercruisers is the Joystick. It seems like the joystick needs 'calibration' of some sort, because the boat mostly goes backwards with most movements of the joystick. The 'yaw' to port works OK, and crab to port sometimes is OK, but yaw and crab to starboard do not really work . . . the boat just ends up going backwards.

From my searching, it looks like the calibration is done with a computer & the related software, but I wonder if there are any other methods to adjust the operation?

 

[dubs283]

You need g3 and a manual

Or someone in the know with field experience to help

 

[tpenfield]

Thought for the day . . .

It occurred to me yesterday as we were using the boat that I am getting 'delayed shifting' on the port outdrive. Mostly going into forward, as it takes a bit of RPM increase to 'feel' the drive engage.

I'll have to do some more checking to verify, but it would certainly explain why the boat goes backwards in many of the joystick maneuvers that require the port outdrive to go forward.

Of course, 290 hours on the power packages seems a bit early to have cone clutch issues.

 

[dubs283]

290 hours on the power packages seems a bit early to have cone clutch issues.

Yes, but the clutch can/will fail at times. Probably the number 1 issue I've dealt with on bravo drives. Seems to be mainly a gear oil issue. Nothing but high performance ime, other brands/styles cause issues

Pretty easy inspection, don't even have to pull the drive to get eyes on the clutch however it's easier if the drive is off the boat.

 

[dubs283]

Does the shift actuator engage immediately with full throw or is there a delay? The servo for shift is quite solid, I have seen zero failures however the software/controls do have issues from time to time

As I stated, g3 is most necessary for proper troubleshooting of dts/joystick motor and drive systems. You can probably use diacom but the proprietary information may get muddled, ymmv

 

[tpenfield]

I'll have to check the actuator vs. the actual shifting, but it is a good point, given the electronic shifting/throttle controls. I assumed (so far) it is the clutch delay, since it seems to 'kick in' with a bit of throttle.

 

[dubs283]

I assumed (so far) it is the clutch delay, since it seems to 'kick in' with a bit of throttle.

Based on experience, yes we would venture to say it's a fouled clutch. However the line from the drive goes: clutch, yoke, shaft, linkage, lower cable, shift plate, actuator, wires, ccm, controller.....could be one or more of those components

You still boat with formula?

 

[tpenfield]

You still boat with formula?

Do you mean do I still have a Formula boat?

No . . . I did however fix the clutch on the Bravo 3s on my Formula 330. One of the clutches started having trouble at about 950 hours.

 

[dubs283]

Do you mean do I still have a Formula boat?

No . . . I did however fix the clutch on the Bravo 3s on my Formula 330. One of the clutches started having trouble at about 950 hours.

Yes, I like the 330. Have driven both merc and Volvo equipped. Nice boat, good ride with amenities for all

Not sure your your boat brand these days but sticking with merc is a good plan. Brunswick runs deep and has fantastic support from most angles.

I still see points, mc1, fords, 50's crissys, Olds 455/425, even a '30 gar wood past week. All up to current equipment.

I love boats, boating, water, waves, repair, troubleshooting, and keeping a general happiness for myself and fellow boaters

 

[tpenfield]

Yes, I like the 330. Have driven both merc and Volvo equipped. Nice boat, good ride with amenities for all

Not sure your your boat brand these days but sticking with merc is a good plan. Brunswick runs deep and has fantastic support from most angles.

The 330 served us well. Mine had the Gen 6 7.4 MPI engines.

My current boat(s) are in my signature. (Cruisers Yacht 338) The CAT engines are a bit concerning, but the 6.2 ECT Seacore engines (which is full closed cooling) are probably the best bet. I did want to stay with Mercury when I was boat shopping last year. I could have gotten a VP power boat of the same brand/model for a bit less, but happy to have the Merc's

 

[dubs283]

Yeah, love, love.....don't even know if love is a big enough word for it. But, 454 = one of the greatest v8s ever produced. And you had the best version

I phone for iboat, can't see signatures.

6.2 sbc is a great powerplant as well. We cannot discount mercs 8.2 either. In front of bravos they do fantastic

 

[tpenfield]

6.2 sbc is a great powerplant as well. We cannot discount mercs 8.2 either. In front of bravos they do fantastic

These engines are actually the in-house designed & built Mercury 6.2 engine, but I have not done much research on them.

https://www.boats.com/reviews/mercr...6-2l-v8-inboard-and-sterndrive-marine-engine/

The 8.2's are (still) the GM 502 block

 

[tpenfield]

Quick Update . . .

I was able to verify a delayed shifting of the Port outdrive. It does not like to go into forward gear unless the rev's get up to about 1,000. It goes into reverse just fine.

So, the maneuvers that work with the joystick are the ones that require port reverse, which is yaw to port and crab to port. Most other moves are no good at this point.

Next step would be to see if there is anything I can do while the boat is in the water. . . . Shift adjustment, etc. However, the shift linkages/adjustment look the same between the 2 engines. I'll have to read up on linkage adjustment for DTS controlled engines.

If all else fails, it will be open toolbox once the season is over. (October ish)