Clunking and grinding into reverse and forward gears

[Railer65]

I have an F40 Yamaha 4 stroke. When shifting into gear there is a clunk and a grinding sound The reverse gear is worse that the forward shift. Is this a mal-adjusted shift cable or worse. I called the Yamaha headquarters complaint department and was told the situation was normal. A mechanic with a three week wait period to get the motor into his shop says that it is not normal. Who to believe? Please advise.

 

[robert graham]

Make sure your idle RPM's aren't set a bit too high....double check your lower unit fluid level and condition(no water).....when putting into gear, don't baby it, just throw it right into gear....that's how these gearboxes like it.....

 

[Railer65]

Thanks. Idle speed is not too fast. Just had lower case oil changed at authorized dealer. I don't want to strip the gears. Might have been trying to baby it into gear. Will try jamming it into gear next time out.

 

[robert graham]

Well, don't exactly "jam" it in gear....just a good smooth deliberate movement....sort of a good solid "clunk" is what you're looking for...

 

[Silvertip]

Gears are already engaged -- it is the clutch dogs that mesh up when shifting. As pointed out, do not "slide" it into gear. A deliberate push into forward or reverse is all that's necessary. And don't practice this with the engine off.