VP D4 stalls engaging reverse

[Jonebarl]

I have a VP D4 with DPH drive. Horrible repair costs, but wonderful when all runs smoothly. I know I've read on the forum somewhere of a similar problem, alarm, then stall when engaging reverse. This happened 3 times to me today pulling out of the marina (which is tight! thanks goodness there wasn't any wind!).
Is this something to do with an actuator of some sort? Any ideas welcome - it's summer holidays here in Norway - and that means getting a VP mechanic to take a look will take weeks....

 

[david_bagshaw]

simple answer.....

anything on the prop?

 

[volvopaul]

Actuator taking too much power in Amps due to shift cable being seized up. Lift out and new cable by the sounds of it .
Disconnect cable from actuator and try it again if it doesn't stall then you know your problem .

 

[GrahamHR]

Well, my 2009 D4 with a DPH, 7 hours use from new needed a new shift actuator ( the cable was apparently fine). What a totally stupid concept, replace a cable with an expensive actuator that operates a cable

 

[spannerman]

Can also be the actuator itself, I had to replace one the other week with same fault. When it was disconnected from the gear cable it still stalled the engine eliminating the cable, the fault was that the actuator started to park off centre when in neutral, so when reverse was selected it motored against the end of the guide slot and generated the same fault that Volvo P mentioned, it drew too many amps and triggered the engine stall response.

 

[jimmy_the_builder]

Well, my 2009 D4 with a DPH, 7 hours use from new needed a new shift actuator ( the cable was apparently fine). What a totally stupid concept, replace a cable with an expensive actuator that operates a cable

I've also suffered actuator failure, although in my case it was ultimately caused by the gear selector assembly in the top of the DPH leg. However, in fairness, it's hard to see how the use of an actuator can be avoided if you want electronic gear selection.

 

[mikemcgregor]

I too had the same stalling problem on one engine. Following the good advice from the good people on here I changed both cables to be on the safe side. Had a problem getting port side cable in and after much forcing I managed to get it up to the rear of engine only to find I had pushed it through the hose just as it comes into engine bay. Had a bit of trouble fitting a sleeve and jubilee clip on to prevent water ingress but ok in the end. Just be a bit careful and attach new cable to old one before pulling the damaged cable out.

 

[Jonebarl]

Thanks for the replies. Seems to be little doubt - actuator cable or possible actuator. Guess it will be a reasonably straightforward fix (although here in Norway nothing is cheap!). When VolvoPaul says "lift out and new cable" does that mean boat out of water ?

 

[Jonebarl]

Spannerman - you in Stavanger? I read one of your posts on Baatplassen - seems you have changed employer. Where are you now?
Barry (Stavanger)

 

[mikemcgregor]

Yes I am afraid so. Although if you were brave enough it could be done in the water. You would need to be careful as there are bolts and split pins to be undone as you need to take the casing of the top of the drive to access the linkage that selects forward and reverse.

 

[GrahamHR]

However, in fairness, it's hard to see how the use of an actuator can be avoided if you want electronic gear selection.

On a small boat like mine ( just under 9m LOA ) t's a pointless complication really. A directly connected cable would be fine ( better in fact, as the response would be immediate, not like the time delay in shifting I now have).

On a bigger boat, with a greater distance between shift lever and outdrives, electronic shift and a shorter mechanical cable might be an advantage ( not cost wise to the owner though, long cables are a lot cheaper than an EVC shift actuator !)