How far to adjust the adjusting nut on the reverse gear?

[dsimon1044]

Hi everyone

I have an Atomic 4 on 69 Bristol 33. I'm very new to the engine and engine repair, so feel free to provide any advice at the most novice level.

Here goes...

After coming into my slip and not being able to stop the boat with the usual blast of the engine in reverse, I discovered that the reverse gear brace pin had popped out, the brace was out of place and reverse was no longer engaging.

In order to get the brace back into place, we had to remove the adjusting nut, so the spring would allow enough play for us to slide the brace back onto the reverse gear adjusting bolt.

Once the assembly was back together, we couldn't get the engine to start. I think we have the adjusting nut too loose, and the transmission is in gear.

1) Does this theory make sense?
2) How far do we have to turn the adjusting nut, if it has been completely removed?

Thanks!

Dave

[Don Moyer]

Dave,

When removing the 3/4" adjusting nut completely, you will have to make sure the shoulder on the bolt itself has moved inside of the left hand ear of the brake band when retightening the nut (as you would be facing the engine from the rear). If the shoulder catches on the inside edge of the brake band, the nut will appear tight at a point when the brake band adjustment is way too loose.

Once you are sure the shoulder of the bolt has cleared the hole in the left hand ear of the band, tighten it until the shifting lever engages reverse before reaching the end of the cable travel. Do not tighten the adjusting nut to the point that the neutral zone becomes too small.

There is no connection between your reverse adjustment and your engine's failure to start.

Don

[Kurt]

Don's right on the account of no connection between your reverse adjustment and inability to start the motor. The previous owner of my boat said he used to just always leave it in gear. I have accidentally started my motor in gear several times and it doesn't seem to care at all, although I for some reason don't think it's probably the best practice........

[Dromo]

I would stay with your original post " how far to adjust..........." Add the "No detente" to this one. I think your leaving out an important piece of the puzzle about the brace pin popping out. Did the brace pin pop out ?Or did the brace pop out? The pin is part of the reversing brake and holds the brace in place. Did you address this before trying to make your adjustments.
Regards : Rick

[dsimon1044]

I already fixed the brace pin issue. I've been trying to adjust the reverse gear since I fixed the issue. I had the forward gear working fine but had little power to reverse. Hence the new post.