355 Carver shift problems

[uaesi]

Hello, my friend has a 2000 355 aft cabin and when pulling for winter storage noticed one of his shifters lazy for about 2-3 seconds when shifting into forward or reverse from neutral. It has always been very responsive and all of the sudden started this...thoughts???

[waybomb]

First thing I would do is stop using the boat until he can determine if it simply a loose fastener on the cable/shifter/trans or a cable adjustment issue.
If the clutches are slipping, it's toast or is going to be.

[uaesi]

Thanks for the reply! Not a problem with not moving it as the boat is up on the hard and currently frozen in! I guess we are looking for advise on what to look for prior to launch...obvious places. Maybe someone out here has had the delay happen to them! Boat has about 800 hours and always in fresh water.

[waybomb]

There should not be a delay.

Determine what transmissions are installed on the boat.

Do an internet search for that transmission manual. You will find one free. You'll find places that want to charge you for it, but they are free. You just have to look. Download and read how to make the shift cable adjustment and/or assess if the cable is bad, components worn, etc.

Again, there should be no delay.

[Ramsport47]

I would look at the cable first and foremost, but also check the fluid level. Does it have the delay going in to both gears or just one?

[uaesi]

Thanks guys! After reviewing this we'll go for the fluid first. After quizing the owner he could not tell me when the fluid was last checked and he did notice some fluid in the bilge. So we'll first have to see where the fluid leak is and go from there. Years ago I changed the shift seal o-rings (on a different boat) and was a pretty easy job. Hopefully its something like that or maybe even a loose line. BTW... the owner said the shifters worked smooth it's just that they lagged and one side more that the other!

[Santego]

I had a similar problem with mine when we purchased it back in October. We were pulling out of the slip for sea trial and the port trans had a little delay in response. Checked cables and connections, everything looked good. Tried shifting again and all was well. Sea trial was good no problems. A couple weeks later after purchase I noticed trans fluid under trans in the bilge area. The trans fluid was low and finding it difficult to get a good reading on dipstick, I decided to service them and fill to proper level. Upon doing so, I noticed the trans dipstick was not properly tightened and the filter housing cover was not seated properly. It is my belief that the fluid was blowing out. I also poured dye into the fluid so I could trace the leak with UV light. Up until now, no more leaks and no slipping.
I was sure glad because I was already thinking shaft seals, front pump seal, etc.......

If your trans is a ZF model I have the repair/parts manual if you need it.

[uaesi]

Perfect info guys! We'll check into it first thing in the spring and I will get back to all with findings!

[MissWhit's]

UAESI, As stated in earlier reply's definitely check for the obvious like misadjusted shift cable or loose hardware. I have a 2001 406 that uses Velvet drive 5000 series transmissions and there is no lag in shifting. I do have a small leak but am not concerned about it as it is hard to keep trannies leak free even in cars. I had a 1997 Cruisers that experienced the same symptom you described your friend as having. My lag was much longer and increasing the RPM's from idle seem to help. This pointed me to a hydraulic pressure issue and I changed the transmission fluid and FILTER. Yes, I found out there was a filter in a cavity and this was for a Hurth V-Drive. I bet there will be a screen/filter assembly somewhere inside the transmission of your friends boat so refer to the OEM service info. Regards, John