Dropping out of gear

[johnnie1uk]

Hi all 

I have started having the problem of the boat dropping out of gear, it only happens going ahead, astern has no problem, and happens more when the engine has not warmed up fully, at low revs it will drop in and out until warmed up, if I gradually build the revs it is fine. even when warm if I go from neutral to give a blast of power, sometimes it does not kick into gear.  Theres nothing in the prop.  Vetus  4.14 32 HP engine, I dont know what make of gearbox. Any ideas please?

[mrsmelly]

I would have a squint and look what gearbox you have it may well be relevant to some as to the definitive problem.

[johnnie1uk]

Thanks, I am not with the boat at the moment, but its the standard Vetus gearbox, from the manual either Hurth or PRM.

[Tony Brooks]

Bet its a Hurth

 

What does it look like - shape etc. If its oval in section with ribs on its probably a Hurth. If its rectangular with rounded corners and ribs then its probably a mechanical PRM. If its rather large and work of slightly squashed barrel shape in section and with two hoses coming out of it its probably a PRM hydraulic. In the latter case hows the il level?

[Rickent]

Mine does this when the gearbox oil is low, might want to check that first.

[Alan de Enfield]

5 minutes ago, johnnie1uk said:

Thanks, I am not with the boat at the moment, but its the standard Vetus gearbox, from the manual either Hurth or PRM.

I would suggest that the gearbox is the problem as that connects the engine to the prop shaft - the engine is running OK, the prop shaft is not turning so it must be the gearbox.

 

Assuming it is a hydraulic box,

1) have you checked the oil level ?

2) have you recently added oil - was it the correct oil ?

 

It could be quite important as to the make and model number of gearbox as they all have slightly different failure modes.

Is the gearbox not listed in your owners manual  (RCD manual) ?

[blackrose]

As well as the oil level has the oil been regularly changed when the engine is serviced? This seems to be quite important with hydraulic boxes.

[johnnie1uk]

Thanks for your replies, I will check out the model number against the manual and change the oil so that I know it is correct.