Jammed Shifter— R27

[CaspersCruiser]

The shifter on my 2012 R27 with 4BY2 Yanmar is jammed. Will not go in forward or reverse. It will go into “throttle only” and control engine speed. Where do I start troubleshooting? I’m in Tarpon Springs, Florida prepped and launched boat by floating off trailer, but no go.

 

[Favunclerich]

Start by disconnecting the cable at the transmission. See if you can move the lever on the transmission to shift forward-nuetral-reverse. If you can't shift, the problem is likely internal to the transmission. If you can now shift, problem is the cable or the shift lever mechanism. The shift cable is not an uncommon failure in older boats. There are posts elsewhere on this site that describe it being replaced on an R-27 by two guys in about half an hour.

 

[Brian B]

Check the cable going down to the transmission, it could have a sharp bend in it. This happened to me once when a tech worked on the engine and inadvertently bent the cable. The cable could also have broken in the housing which would require a new cable. You can disconnect the cable at the transmission and shift by hand, this would rule out any transmission issue. With the cable disconnected try moving the throttle, if it doesn't move its most likely the cable. The engine speed is not related to the shift cable.
I replaced my shift cable last year (25SC) not a hard job
My previous post on the replacement:
viewtopic.php?f=5&t=9967

 

[knotflying]

Had experience with both the previous posters. Most likely the cable. Readily available and with a bit of luck pulling it through attached to the old cable, it is a half hour or so job. Having a person pulling and a person feeding and a seamless temporary connection of the old and new cable with electrical tape will make the task easier. Removing the entire throttle will also make it easier since I found the electronic leads were a bit short. The removal of a screw and you can unplug the electrical connection from the throttle and then get the throttle out of your way.

 

[CaspersCruiser]

I disconnected shift cable at transmission. Thankfully, the lever at the transmission shifts silky smooth. Now I’ve got to figure our whether the failure is the cable or shifter mechanism.

 

[blifland]

I recall that there is a lock-out/safety mechanism near the shifter cable end near transmission end. If it is not adjusted correctly, the shifter will not work; will not shift in/out of gear. I cannot remember how I adjusted it 'cause I am not at the boat to see it.

 

[knotflying]

I disconnected shift cable at transmission. Thankfully, the lever at the transmission shifts silky smooth. Now I’ve got to figure our whether the failure is the cable or shifter mechanism.

You have to replace the entire cable, not just the internal metal cable. In other words the outer sheathing and the internal cable are replaced.
The neutral safety switch is not the issue as considered. That will prevent ignition if it is not engaged.

 

[CaspersCruiser]

Bringing this in for a landing......

It was the shift cable. It was crimped just above the bracket where the cable end and transmission lever meet. How it got crimped, I haven’t a clue, but it happened after I took it out of the water last fall. The shifter worked silky smooth all last season. I’m very aware of the potential for damage to the cable and I’m very careful around it. There was an enthusiastic guy who worked in the engine compartment and he may have inadvertently hit it. It’s easy to do. Who knows.

I’m in Tarpon Springs, Florida to cruise a section of the Great Loop. Scott’s Marine graciously worked me in. The first step Scott’s took was to see if the crimp could be straightened and cable freed. No joy there. The local West Marine had the appropriate cable in stock. The original cable was 21’ and Scott’s Marine recommended using a 22’ cable to route the cable using a less tight radius to the transmission bracket and to position it so that it’s less likely to get crimped again.

 

[Brian B]

Bringing this in for a landing......

It was the shift cable. It was crimped just above the bracket where the cable end and transmission lever meet. How it got crimped, I haven’t a clue, but it happened after I took it out of the water last fall. The shifter worked silky smooth all last season. I’m very aware of the potential for damage to the cable and I’m very careful around it. There was an enthusiastic guy who worked in the engine compartment and he may have inadvertently hit it. It’s easy to do. Who knows.

I’m in Tarpon Springs, Florida to cruise a section of the Great Loop. Scott’s Marine graciously worked me in. The first step Scott’s took was to see if the crimp could be straightened and cable freed. No joy there. The local West Marine had the appropriate cable in stock. The original cable was 21’ and Scott’s Marine recommended using a 22’ cable to route the cable using a less tight radius to the transmission bracket and to position it so that it’s less likely to get crimped again.

Sounds like the same situation that happened to me. I was able to straighten it but two years later it broke at that location. You were better off replacing the cable, have a great trip and smooth shifting!!

 

[trailertrawlerkismet]

Glad you're on the water Bill, enjoy your Florida cruising.

Jim F