shifting problem

[Rick_Seebeck]

I have an 83 ss with the Chrysler 440/Velvet Drive Powerslot. It works great but when shifting into forward you need to get to about 1200 rpm before it engages. Works great in reverse.

When I got the boat it had lots of water in the trans so I changed it 4 times. It looks pretty good now, not milky at all but mabey a bit thin. It only has 3 hours on the new trans fluid.

There are no visable leaks and I use Dextron III

You thoughts!

[WilliM1940]

Try shifting the transmission manually on the unit to see if wear exists in the shifting mechanism. Link to information:
http://www.correctcraftfan.com/reference/manuals.asp

Will cover both your transmission and shifting mechanism

[ShamrockIV]

dang rick i hate to hear this i thought u had her up and going great!!

[Bellinghamster]

If the shift linkage is operating correctly (achieving full detent position on the tranny shift lever in both forward and reverse), then it's likely that the clutch actuating hydraulic pistons got crusted up from having water where you shouldn't.

The shift lever is just a hydraulic valve. There's an oil pump driven off the input shaft that makes pressure any time the engine is turning. The valve controls whether the forward clutch pack, the reverse clutch pack or neither (neutral) are engaged.

Not "dropping" into gear can be caused by: shift lever misadjustment (easy to check and fix, unless it's worn out the clutch plates by not fully engaging for a long time), low oil (cavitating pump, therefore can't make pressure), a faulty pump (unlikely), or stuck clutch pistons - most likely considering the watery oil in it's past.

Sounds like a trany rehab may be in your near future. They're not terribly complicated and you can do it yourself if you're fairly mechanically inclined. A rebuild kit cost around $100 if I remember correctly (including new clutch plates and all seals). Depending on how long water was in there, the bearings may all be pitted, in which case you need a good sized press, a bit more time, and a few more $$.

Good luck! Hopefully it's just the shift lever!

[Skipper]

To troubleshoot: (on the water)

1. disconnect the shift cable at the transmission
2. start the engine
3. manually shift the transmission into gear
4. if the transmission shifts smoothly - then you have to adjust the shift lever
5. if the transmission shifts improperly - then you have some transmission work to do

Where the throttle cable connects to the shift mechanism there is usually a sliding (spring loaded) guide that prevents the engine from accellerating while you shift. Check there for a shift lever problem.