Volvo MD17D MS2 gearbox-difficulty finding neutral

[Kurrawong_Kid]

Our "new to us" boat has an MD17D engine which runs well, but it is very difficult to "find" neutral. When cold neutral is correctly adjusted, but when hot is to be found a short way towards reverse-just past the detente. It is remarkably easy to go direct to reverse before finally finding "the magic spot"! I am going to make an attempt at readjustment of the cable to take account of the hot position but unfortunately cannot do this without removing the fine oil filter so this could be a longwinded process. There is not enough cable left to adjust at the wheel - it will have to be at the yoke end. Has anyone else had this problem? And did you find a solution? Thanks /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif

 

[Searush]

Check the position of the operating lever on the gerabox when in F, N & R. IIRC, there is a detent spring & ball bearing in the correct location. With the cables disconnected it should be easy to find neutral.

The bad news is that there is a bronze(?) cone clutch that, when worn, or when thrust washer worn (I think) will not get neutral. It isn't that hard to fix if you can still get the parts (try Keyparts) and there is a good expanded diagram in the workshop manual - which is available on line somewhere.

Sorry about the "IIRC & I think" comments, it is about 10 years since I last rammed a mooring when stuck in gear. I fixed it myself, and have since replaced the engine (a 35y-old MD2B) with a new Yanmar.

 

[daveyw]

before spending big bucks on overhauls, try changing the oil. Double check which oil to use, some take ATF and others take engine oil

 

[Searush]

My MS just took engine oil. Lack of oil may cause the clutch to jam I think.

Checking the operating lever works by operating directly without cables costs no more than 10 mins work & will prove gear box Ok or not.

 

[Kurrawong_Kid]

Thanks for your advice. I intend to do this. It is OK when the engine is not running, but when moving under power the neutral position moves! What I propose to do is to try and note where neutral is when the engine is running. Then I shall have to remove the fine filter, and possibly the fuel pump, to get at the adjuster. We'll see what happens!

 

[OzTaf]

Our "new to us" boat has an MD17D engine which runs well, but it is very difficult to "find" neutral. When cold neutral is correctly adjusted, but when hot is to be found a short way towards reverse-just past the detente. It is remarkably easy to go direct to reverse before finally finding "the magic spot"! I am going to make an attempt at readjustment of the cable to take account of the hot position but unfortunately cannot do this without removing the fine oil filter so this could be a longwinded process. There is not enough cable left to adjust at the wheel - it will have to be at the yoke end. Has anyone else had this problem? And did you find a solution? Thanks /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif

G'day. Did you find an fix for you problem with finding neutral? I have the MS2B and I need to go beyond the neutral indent to get neutral from both directions. It's a fine line before it goes into the other gear. I have replaced the sliding sleeve and dog but still have a problem.