C28 Reverse Gear Issue

A

Akallen007

Member
Joined
Nov 7, 2020
Messages
10
Fluid Motion Model
R-21 EC
Hull Identification Number
FMLC2814H516
Vessel Name
SEA REDY
On 8/31/2023 my wife and I were just finishing up a 5-hour day cruise and heading back in when I stopped to release the mackerel from the bait tank. We slowed to a stop, released the bait with the engine still running in neutral, and proceeded into port. About one minute after getting underway I lost forward propulsion, almost as if we lost the prop. (we didn't)
There was no loud noise or other indication of a serious mechanical failure. I shut down the engine and checked the engine compartment and everything was normal except for a little excess water because the aft bilge pump had failed. I restarted the engine and tried engaging the reverse gear into forward and again into reverse a few times with no success, so I had to call TowBoatUS to get us back to the slip. I rarely run the engine over 2600 rpm and don't remember seeing a fault code on the panel. I perform a full fluid and filter service every 100 hours religiously. Could this be something as simple as a bad solenoid, or ? Just looking for some troubleshooting tips before calling in the mobile mechanic. Thanks everyone!
 
It could be as simple as a solenoid. Not knowing the year the boat was manufactured I can not say if the solenoid is the new style or old style. The Cutwater packing gland is close to the gear. The gland is a drip style. It does fling water mist when running at speed. In saltwater environments this can cause corrosion to the solenoid and the connection. This can cause the gear to fail to shift. Clean and inspect the connections at the solenoids. The see if it shifts. I would do this first before condemning the gear.
 
I recently suffered the same failure on my 2015 R-29. I cleaned the connectors and was able to restore propulsion, but only at idle. When I attempted to increase the rpm to cruising speed, I once again lost propulsion. After a few minutes, inexplicably, propulsion at idle was restored and I was able to return to the dock. I’m now awaiting the results of a fluid/ATF analysis.

Gordon
 
I had the same problem. On Sep 5th we were cruising at 3200 rpm, when forward motion suddenly stopped. The transmission would not engage in forward, but it worked fine in reverse. Luckily, we were close to Spencer Spit and managed to back into an anchoring spot to evaluate the problem. It turned out that the wires to the forward (port) solenoid were broken due to corrosion. There was quite a bit of water in the bilge and dried salt stains everywhere. Apparently, the bilge pump auto mode did not work, probably due to a faulty float switch. The broken wires were easily fixed by attaching new spade connectors to the wires.
 
Hi there,

All good answers. The issue is usually either the wiring or the solenoid has itself failed. Nothing much else. Should be a relatively easy diagnosis. A good practice is to keep a spare set of solenoids handy in your spares kit, just in case. Losing propulsion can be pretty unnerving and it always helps to have potential solutions. Hope this helps,

Cheers,

Ralf
 
Ralf, keeping spare solenoids on hand would be great except for the fact that they’re so expensive. The lowest price I’ve seen is $700 each. Are you aware of a lower priced source?

Gordon
 
Hey Gordon,

That unfortunately is true! It's been a long time since I looked at the price of these, so didn't know what they were going for at the moment. That number is almost cringe worthy. I'm not aware of anywhere else to get these, other than from Volvo, so not sure if cheaper alternatives are available. I don't have any of the info in front of me right now, so I don't remember if they used the same part number for either side or if they're actually different. If they are indeed the same, then you could choose to get only one spare. Still spendy, for sure, but what price safety?

Cheers,

Ralf
 
ZF part number: 3312308183 $340.00 a while back.
Both should be the same (same part number).
Not sure if this is the old style or new though.

There is also a manual override procedure for these. If you use it, read the warnings carefully, you will be in forward gear with no way to shift into neutral or reverse!

Emergency changing out of HS reverse gear
If a fault occurs that prevents electronic changing out of reverse gear with the shift control lever, it is possible to manually change the gear.
Manual gear shifting
1. Stop the engine and turn off the ignition. If the boat is equipped with an ignition switch lock; take the key out of the switch lock.
2. Look for the “A“ and “B“ markings on the cable for the reversing gear shift solenoid valves. There are two different types of electrical con- nection to the valves, one with a white cable connector and the other with a black plastic protective shroud.
- In the case of the black type, use a screw- driver to lift and pull away the protective shroud. - Disconnect both connectors from the solenoid valves.
3. Normally the “A“ side is set for forward motion in a single installation, and in a dual installation it is set for forward motion from the starboard engine.
- Insert a 2 mm Allen key in accordance with the illustration, then tighten the solenoid valve emergency screw at least 5 turns clockwise.
4. Now the gear shift function has been activated for forward movement. Switch on the ignition. Fault codes can now come from the EVC sys- tem, which is normal as the shift solenoid valves are disconnected.
NOTE! Forward gear is now permanently activated and cannot be disengaged by the control lever. Be careful of your speed now!
© Copyright 2016 AB Volvo Penta
 
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