1997 Challenger wont switch gears from forward to reverse

[jmyrland]

I have a 1997 Challenger 1800 with twin 110hp.

I was out boarding this past weekend and I noticed it was becoming more difficult for the shift lever to go from forward to reverse. I had to force it into gear and then it got stuck into gear. The lever now moves from forward to reverse freely but it is stuck in forward and wont go into reverse or neutral via the lever. I can physically move the caps at the jets into the forward and neautral position but I cant move it with the lever. I know the cable is not broke because when I put it into the forward position and physically move the jet caps with my hands the lever goes into the neutral position.

I am not too familiar with all the components of the gear system and there is no info on the web about it.

Any ideas???

 

[kustomkarl]

Welcome to the seadoo forum jmyrland. It sounds like the gate on the jet drive is ok, but you might have a problem in the control handle. You could start by removing the 4 screws in the control handle cover and the 4 screws under the cover to get the control handle out of the boat and check it's condition. If the screws are not coming out to easy use PB Blaster on them to get them to loosen up. If you not familiar with the control handle you might want to join as a premium member. As a premium member you can down load a authentic seadoo manual from the seadoo manual library. In the library is a variety of manuals for almost all years and models. You can view as many as you like on line as a PDF file, or download it and print it for your personal and privet use. There are operator manuals and repair manuals for you to do your own repairs on your seadoo. The repair manuals have everything from troubleshooting, repair procedures to winterizing. It contains wire diagrams torque specs and pictures for disassemble and assemble instructions. In the spec sheets it tells everything needed to maintain oil changes, spark plug gaps and impeller wear ring tolerances. Click on the "Seadoo Manuals" link at the top of the page for more details. If you need any help or get in a jam, we are always here to answer your questions too.

Karl

 

[derek]

there are locking mechanisms on the reverse gate to stop them from dropping. you need to push shifter forward to release them. they also wear out and hang up.