The Mystery of Reverse

[Sailhound]

I would love to have this question answered once and for all. I get there is no detente in reverse, but the jury seems to be out on whether or not pressure is needed on the shifter to keep in reverse on a properly adjusted transmission. Even with shifter cable disconnected mine needs to be held in place.

[zellerj]

Mine does not have to be held in place. Stays put once I pull the level back. My shift lever is near the floor and not on a pedestal.

[Sam]

On my early model A4 the shift lever stays in place whether I use pedestal shift lever or engine lever. I like it this way since sometimes during docking I have one hand on the wheel and one on the throttle using some prop walk.

[Tim]

Mine stays in reverse without holding it. Seems to be due to the friction from the pedestal mounted lever and the cable.

[GregH]

Haven't tried playing with those options .. will let you know!

[roadnsky]

Mine stays in reverse without holding it. Seems to be due to the friction from the pedestal mounted lever and the cable.

Ditto on mine...
although when really revving up for more than just a quick burst (ie. hard backing down in a blow) I put my hand on the shift lever just to be sure.

Just to satisfy my own curiosity, next time, I'll try it without holding it.

[roadnsky]

I found this saved in one of my old "Tech Tips" and believe it's from Don...

"There is usually enough friction within the cables and levers on the boat (adding to whatever friction there is in the linkage within the reversing gear itself) to cause the reversing gear to hold in the reverse mode for a short while.
This gives many people the idea that the reversing gear is somehow designed to stay in reverse once you place the lever to the rear, but this is not the case.
If you don’t keep pushing the lever back now and then, it will soon creep out of reverse"

[thatch]

The irony to this situation is that the better your cable system is working, the more likely you will have to hold it in reverse.
Tom

[sastanley]

I personally find that in low throttle situations, the reverse will usually stay engaged, but if I get the RPMs up, it is necessary to hold the brake band tight with the lever.

[edwardc]

I personally find that in low throttle situations, the reverse will usually stay engaged, but if I get the RPMs up, it is necessary to hold the brake band tight with the lever.

This is exactly the way mine behaves too.

[Al Schober]

I modified my reverse cam so it would stay in reverse - just added a flat at the fat end of the wedge.

[Sailhound]

Thank you!

Question is answered 100% and some great suggestions. Much appreciated!