Pops out of gear

[maezland]

We have a Columbia 43 that is popping in and out of gear when we are under way. Any ideas ????

[tkeithlu]

Have you adjusted the shift cable? If it has stretched or the terminal nuts are loose, you could be failing to go completely into gear. That's the first and by far the cheapest option. It's also pretty common.

[maezland]

Yes, thank you I did check that but no luck all seems ok with the adjustment

[Stu Jackson]

What engine, what transmission?

[maezland]

It has a Perkins 4-107 I don’t know what transmission

[skipmac]

Originally Posted by maezland

It has a Perkins 4-107 I don’t know what transmission

Make and model of the transmission would be pretty essential to diagnosis of any problem beyond the linkage.

[motretu]

i have a '78cal34 with W30/SAO. the SAO slips [same feeling as "pops in/out"] when engine rpm >1500 and motoring into chop out of Bellingham WA. tranny will overheat from slippage if rpm not lowered.

try a lower engine rpm to test when "poping" occurs. in my case a tranny rebuild is required as adjustments and checks have been made..

[Elie]

If the transmission is hydraulic, as often with Older Perkins, It might be just some oil mission in the transmission.

[Siberian Sea]

If it’s a hydraulic gear then your forward clutch friction pack might be worn. The transmission has a gear pump. This pump is in constant use whenever your engine is running. Oil is pumped through a rotary valve that you control with your shifter. In natural oil bypasses the planetary gear housing that contains the clutch pack. When placed in forward oil is directed into this housing and the oil pressure (about 140 psi) pushes brass clutch plates or disks against friction plates. These bind together and the torque is transferred to planetary gears and you see the sharp turn. If oil pressure is low (pump failing or low oil level) or the clutches are worn you can expect transmission slipping or other problems. You should if not already have placed a pressure gauge in your transmission oil hose that is between transmission and transmission oil cooler that way you can see your oil pressure. Gauge should be high quality oil filled available at NAPA. Remember this is for a hydraulic transmission not a mechanical gear, these work differently but it’s doubtful you have a mechanical unless it’s very old.

[maezland]

thank you so much for the information, it will be very helpful. we really appreciate the help.