reverse slipping

[agoodman]

i made the adjustment of the reversering gear early last year and everything was working fine. I then changed my oil before haulout and it seems i filled it about a 1/4 inch to much, after that my reverse gear took along time to engage when the engine was running. It was like the reverse band was slipping because of the oil. Is this possible? If i take some of the oil out to bring it to the top of the dipstick oil full level will this take care of the problem?

[baileyem]

Did you use any additives (STP, etc) when you changed the oil?

[agoodman]

no regular 30 weight oil

[Dave Neptune]

I have been using STP oil treatment for the 26 years I have had my A-4 and no slippage problems, I add a pint with each oil change and use 30wt motor oil. I doubt that the over-fill or an oil additive would cause the band to slip. My engine rakes back at a large angle and I keep my oil at about 1/4~3/8" above the full mark which keeps a lot of oil in the back with the trans. no problem.

I would look at the linkage first then the band adjustment.

Dave Neptune:cool:

[captain kenny]

A 4 reverse is a reliable but kinda funny deal i have to hold mine and apply some pressure. Lets face it this is a wet clutch and oil is not the issue you need to adjust the clutch to where you know it is engaging then hold it back it will engage adjustment is really easy. Hold the lever back there is no detent for reverse.

[Dave Neptune]

Kenny, a good call as there is no "lock or detent" in reverse and you must hold it "engaged" while applying power in reverse.

I too have an E-35 in Alimitos Bay. My 4th trip to Catalina for a weekend coming week after next, my boat gets a lot of use!

Dave Neptune:cool:

[kasdp]

I appreciate the concept that reverse is friction-dependent, i.e. not a "gear", but I'm wondering how forcefully one has to pull upward on the shift lever to avoid slippage. Any thoughts?

[msmith10]

A little gentle pressure is all it should take- mine usually requires none as there's enough friction in the shift cable to hold it in place. If you have to use any force to keep it in reverse, you may want to tighten the brake band a little.

[agoodman]

thanks for the advice, i have tightened the brace bolt and i am back in business as they say.