Transmission problems?

[Gsgumby]

I have a 92 Malibu Euro F3. It has a Mercruiser 350 carbureted engine. When I am pulling a tube under heavy load when turning the boat it feels like the transmission is slipping. I have checked the trans fluid multiple times and it is on the full indicator line on the dipstick. It has 712 hours. Any thoughts.

[23LSVOwner]

How hard of a turn?

 

It could be prop cavitation.

[Gsgumby]

5 hours ago, 23LSVOwner said:

How hard of a turn?

 

It could be prop cavitation.

It's not that hard of a turn. It doesn't really rev up. It feels like something is slipping in the trans.

[Gsgumby]

It's not that hard of a turn. The engine really doesn't rev up. I had bad bushings in my Rudder and I thought it might be the rudder affecting the prop wash. I fixed the bushings but it did not change the feeling that the tranes was shifting.

[justgary]

Check the prop to make sure the key is still in one piece.

[Woodski]

Fluid type & color, when was last service, how many hours since serviced?  You could do a fluid swap to see if that helps the issue, use a turkey baster to extract fluid and I recommend hydraulic oil if a Velvet Drive 71C.

[Slayer]

I had a similar experience years ago in my SSLXI and it was due to low fluid.  I changed it, and double checked the level and the issue disappeared.  

[Gsgumby]

Thanks for the recommendations. I will do the fluid swap. I'll let you know how it turns out.

[tvano]

are you following the transmission fluid check procedure that is in your owners manual?

[cbftbl87]

57 minutes ago, tvano said:

are you following the transmission fluid check procedure that is in your owners manual?

x2.  Not following this procedure will yield a higher reading on the dipstick.  So the fluid level may actually be low when followed correctly.  

[Gsgumby]

I just changed the fluid in the transmission. It's probably the first time it's been changed in 28 years. I was only able to pull out about a quart and a half. I added a quart and a half or so and checked it following the procedure. They want you to run the engine at 1500 RPMs for about 3 minutes. Shut it off and check it quickly. It looks like it's right up there. I took it out for a ride but I won't be able to tell until I get a tube on the back. I appreciate the help you guys are giving me.

[cbftbl87]

15 hours ago, Gsgumby said:

I just changed the fluid in the transmission. It's probably the first time it's been changed in 28 years. I was only able to pull out about a quart and a half. I added a quart and a half or so and checked it following the procedure. They want you to run the engine at 1500 RPMs for about 3 minutes. Shut it off and check it quickly. It looks like it's right up there. I took it out for a ride but I won't be able to tell until I get a tube on the back. I appreciate the help you guys are giving me.

If this is the first time it has been changed, it may be a good idea to change it a few times to get as much of the old fluid out as possible.  As you said, you can only get about 75% out when you change it, so the remaining 25% is still the old fluid.  Run it a bit first though, to circulate and mix the new fluid with the old. 

[formulaben]

...and change it on a regular schedule.  It's cheap.

[Gsgumby]

Good idea, I'll change it again.

[Gsgumby]

Just changed it again. Love those small brass suction pumps. Pretty quick. Should be pulling tubers tonight. Let you know.

[Rideon]

On 8/5/2020 at 1:23 PM, Gsgumby said:

Just changed it again. Love those small brass suction pumps. Pretty quick. Should be pulling tubers tonight. Let you know.

and the verdict is?

I was just up to Bear Lake Utah and had this same problem show up while pulling a heavy tube.

[JasonK]

Last time I had a similar feeling, it was a kill switch malfunction. My friend swore it was a trans slip, but I didn't think so. The kill switch would briefly disconnect and reconnect on take offs.