Can't Shift Volvo 280

[Abbey Dog]

I just bought a 1968 Wellcraft 19' with a 1984 AQ125a mated to a 280 outdrive. It had a few minor problems that pervented it from starting but I've sorted those out and now it starts and runs fine. I've still got the heat exchanger and associated plumbing off while I wait for a new timing belt tensioner to arrive.

In the mean time I'm trying to figure out why I can't shift from the remote control. I'm pretty sure that it was working when I first brought it home. I removed the link from the shift on the outdrive and can flick the drive from F-N-R no problem. The remote handle moves fine for throttle only but when the shift is engaged it seems to be locked. When I say locked I mean it moves about a 1/4" but then it seems to be held by something mechanical, as opposed to a dry of frozen cable, the feeling of which I am familiar with. Is there some kind of mechanical interlock tied into the trim? BTW, the drive has hydraulic trim as oppsed to the electro-mechanical tilt only.

Also, the drive responds to the trim switch the opposite of what you would expect, i.e. switch up equals drive down. I'm guessing it's just a wire swap somewhere that needs to be done. I have the Seloc manual but the wiring schematic has me perplexed. Can someone clue me in as to where I should be looking?

Thanks in Advance,
Steve P.

 

[Don S]

Re: Can't Shift Volvo 280

Replace the shift cable.

 

[Don S]

Re: Can't Shift Volvo 280

Guess I should have said, remove the shift cable from the control and make sure the control itself works. If it does, then replace the cable.
99% of the time the cable just locks up due to age and wear, a long time before the control itself is worn out.
Of course they do get broken when people try to force a frozen shift cable.

 

[Abbey Dog]

Re: Can't Shift Volvo 280

Okay, so there is no type of shift lockout device on this engine/drive combo?

Thanks

Steve P.

 

[Don S]

Re: Can't Shift Volvo 280

I have no idea what you mean by a shift lockout device.
There is a throttle only button, but you said it worked and when you go back to neutral and the shift is engaged, it won't move. That is because it's trying to shift first before the throttle moves.

PS. Turn your trim switch upside down or swap the up and down wires.

 

[Abbey Dog]

Re: Can't Shift Volvo 280

I have no idea what you mean by a shift lockout device.
quote]

Here's an update...

While I had the rear cover off the outdrive I pulled the cotter pin and disconnected the shift cable. I then grabbed the swivel on the end of the cable with a pair of vise grips and gave it a good yank. Popped free and now the remote control works fine. I was wary of putting to much pressure on the remote as it would probably be tough to find an exact replacement.

 

[Don S]

Re: Can't Shift Volvo 280

Yep, you need a shift cable. It'll bind again.