Paragon SAO No Reverse

[jankowskiben]

Learned the hard way (trying to back out of a slip) that my Paragon SAO is not engaging fully into reverse.  Driveshaft barely moves when shifter at the helm is fully engaged.  Appears to be an issue with the linkage not pushing the shifter at transmission far enough.  I can adjust, but is this likely to keep the transmission from fully engaging forward? Tps for adjustment appreciated. 

[Jim S]

The Paragon SAO does not have an engagement notch for reverse and will not hold itself in gear.  Adjust the linkage and give it a try.  There are some internal adjustments but you would need to read the manual for the directions.  I replaced my engine and no longer have the Paragon to worry about.

[SVJourney]

Yeah, find the book.  We used to have it here and somehow the Paragon shown in the manuals (sp?) area is completely different.   I looked but I don't have it. 
You can adjust the detent for forward gear. I remember that the adjustment is tricky.  Just a little bit(one notch) at a time and try it. 

And I do know that there is no engagement for reverse.  You just jam it up and hold it while reversing.  Total design flaw I always thought but there ya have it.

[SVJourney]

Found this on another thread:
"Take the cover off and you find on the gear assembly a locking screw. Remove it and you can rotate a large collar that positions the clutch dogs. You should feel a noticeable snap when you put the transmission in forward. Moving the collar a few positions will put more pressure on it in forward. "

So,
1 remove cover
2 find and remove the lock screw WITHOUT dropping it. 
3 Tighten 1 click
4 reinstall lock screw.
5 install cover
6 try it out.  If adjusted too far it will be hard to get into gear.  Too loose and it will slip.
Clear as mud? 
If forward is adjusted and reverse slips, then you have issues with the cluster probably.   Just make sure it isn't your shift linkage.

[Jim S]

attached are the adjustment instructions for the Paragon SAO

[SVJourney]

Learned the hard way (trying to back out of a slip) that my Paragon SAO is not engaging fully into reverse.  Driveshaft barely moves when shifter at the helm is fully engaged.  Appears to be an issue with the linkage not pushing the shifter at transmission far enough.  I can adjust, but is this likely to keep the transmission from fully engaging forward? Tps for adjustment appreciated.

Was just thinking that the other thing that can cause this is an extremely fouled prop.  If the boat hasn't been moved or cleaned for awhile, or maybe a trash bag or something got wrapped around it?  I had a folding prop that failed and stalled the engine when I put it in reverse. 

[jankowskiben]

Such useful info.  This forum is fantastic, thank you!  Had same model transmission on our previous boat (Pearson 33 with a Westerbeke 4-60), so familiar with holding in reverse.  My initial thought was fouled prop, as the boat had been sitting in a slip for months. Prop is clean, but problem persists.   Aware of the band design, but didn't know it could be adjusted until now.  ATF or gear oil for lubricant? 

[Jim S]

30 weight oil if I remember correctly

[SVJourney]

30 wt engine oil, yup.

[Brian]

Thank you for the help and the information Jim. I will try this information out and I'll let you know how it goes.

In great appreciation,
Brian

[Already There]

Just refitted a Borg Warner 71c into my 365. Bought the whole kit from Transatlantic Diesels. Perfect fit and really nice set up. I have a working Paragon SAOD that I swapped out. Good for most parts. Willing to give to anyone that needs parts.
Bob

[Ruvel]

Hi Bob,

Do you still have the Paragon? I'm looking at rebuilding mine and it would be a great help to have a spare to work with.

Ruvel

Just refitted a Borg Warner 71c into my 365. Bought the whole kit from Transatlantic Diesels. Perfect fit and really nice set up. I have a working Paragon SAOD that I swapped out. Good for most parts. Willing to give to anyone that needs parts.
Bob

[Already There]

Yes! I do still have the SAOD. Sorry for the delay, I haven't had time to look back. If you want it it's yours. I just don't want to hassle with shipping it. I'm on the Mississippi gulf coast.

[Already There]

Email me at
pmelbob@gmail.com if anyone is interested in grabbing this tranny. Good for parts. All good internals. Input shaft shot. Output coupler shot. Everything else is good.  Also have a new seal kit and high end dampener  for 250.00 .

[S/V Legacy]

Ruvel! Youre my sister ship!!! Im hull 307!