Volvo Gearbox Problem

[rmarshall]

I have a Volvo TMD22 engine fitted with a MS25 gearbox, every now and then it won't select forward gear, I think it's worse when going from reverse to forward. I have checked the linkage and changed the gearbox oil but still have the same problem. It gives me a fright every time I reverse out of the marina. Any suggestions?

 

[david36]

I had a similar problem with that type of gearbox. Eventually it emerged that the problem was being caused by the the gripping surfaces on the metal bands that act as the "clutch plate" in the gearbox ( Apologies for the lack of technical terms). The surfaces were largely worn away and were causing the the drive to jam/stick or sometimes slip. And this was after the engine and gearbox had done less than 700 hours. Volvo claimed that this was a normal perfomance for their product and declined any financial liability. Aside from the sticking in reverse, a further clue is if when you do eventually engage forward gear there sometimes seems to be a lack of motion in proportion to the revs from the engine. In my case it meant a full scale rebuild of the gearbox at the factory. Hopefully you will be more fortunate. A first aid measure to get out of reverse and into forward that worked for me until I got a repair was to move the gear lever to neutral and leave it there for a few seconds before trying to engage forward and then leaving that for a few seconds before applying revs. Not good for the nerves in a marina! The big thing to remember is never to buy Volvo again. Fair winds.

 

[rmarshall]

Thanks for the reply.
I have exactly the symptoms you describe and I have also found that going into neutral for a few seconds does help. It looks as though I will have to go the same route as you, £££££.

 

[Heckler]

there is a place in caernarfon that used to rebuild these boxes, cant remember name, u will have to go and do a mooch there to find them
Stu

 

[colvic987]

Closed down years ago, arfon oceaneering, i had my gearbox rebuilt by them, an engineer called john rebuilt it, but they closed down years ago...