clutch slipping?

[shu5720]

Hi, I was just trying to figure out what is going on. I have been on vac with the boat for about a week and the other day it started (i think) slipping as it was put into forward. The trans/clutch? delays after being put into forward before engaging the drive. Not reverse. We have been using it trouble free for the week. Alot of tubing but the kids are little so no abuse. The boat is a 2002 Four Winns Horizon with 5.7L Volvo Penta and SX-M outdrive. I didnt bring the manual for the drive with me (wont make that mistake twice) so I am just concerned as to causing more damage or if is an adjustment. Any thoughts? If I didnt give enough info, just let me know. Thanks in advance.

 

[Zero Balance]

Re: clutch slipping?

The prop may be spinning on the hub. You may need to have it checked.

 

[Gary H NC]

Re: clutch slipping?

Scribe a mark with something sharp on the hub and prop.Run it until it slips then check the marks to see if they are still aligned with each other.
If they are then it could be the coupler or forward gears.
Any burnt rubber smell? Sign of failing coupler.

 

[Don S]

Re: clutch slipping?

A couple of things that can cause the SX drives to slip are:
1. Water in the gear lube. after the drive has set for a while, drain some gear lube out and see if any water seperated our of the gear lube, or the gear lube is real milky colored.
2. The shift cable could be worn or binding (possibly due to very tight bends) or out of adjustment. Pull the back cover off the drive. With prop removed and on muffs and running, put it in forward and see if the shift mechanism is going all the way against the stop. (Check by trying to turn it farther by hand) If not, see if adjusting will cure the problem, but be sure to also check reverse. If you gain forward and loose reverse, you need a new cable. Check for tight bends and see if you can use a longer cable and lessen the bends.

 

[shu5720]

Re: clutch slipping?

From what it felt/ sounded like, it seemed to be more of an adjustment issue rather than slipping. But I will check both to be sure. It seemed like when shifted into forward, there was a lag and then it would engage with a thunk. ususally it shifts very smooth with a light thud to indicate it was engaged. It also seemed that if I went further into forward instead of just to the engagement point, it seemed to reduce it. Its on the trailer for the ride home and I will start checking tonight. Thank you very much for the quick help, and I'll let you know what I find

 

[shu5720]

Re: clutch slipping?

Don,that seemed to do the trick. I moved the adjustment nut several revolutions towards the forward end and it shifts great without any neg affects on reverse. thanks again for the help.