1951 Chris Craft 50’ Catalina powered by original rebuilt W’s with rebuilt Paragon 4XE reverse gears. After 20 year restoration, on maiden voyage, after backing off sandbar, port shift level would not go in forward. Still have reverse and neutral and can hold shift level to get forward, but handle won’t go up (another 6”) and click and stay in forward. Linkage didn’t change. Can take off at transmission and still won’t shift into forward. There is a forward gear adjustment, which I adjusted both ways a couple of spaces, to no avail. Mechanics at marina want to pull tranny out, but I just think it can be fixed in boat. Any help would be greatly appreciated! Thanks.
That is one hell of a great looking boat, and I am sure VERY frustrating. As to solutions from the internet. YIKES. It could be a lot of things. If it happened after running aground on the sandbar, it could be a linkage issue not transmission. I dont know how or why. But could be an adjustemt. Since its new and all. Seems like once its in gear it works?
Hi, I’m sorry about your problems with your four XE. Your boat looks beautiful by the way. I don’t think this should be too difficult to diagnose. There are a number of things that it could be that are not complicated repairs. I should be available Sunday if you call the work number 201-445-8685 and leave your number. We can do a FaceTime and we’ll go through a few checks to see if anything was broken and then we can go through some adjustments. I would be happy to help you and except for digging some clams. I don’t have too much going tomorrow.
Dear David,
Thanks for your reply. I’ll give you a call tomorrow. I’m sorry but I know nothing above FaceTime. I won’t be back at the boat until next Saturday and will be there for 10 days, so I hope we can communicate then so I can follow your instructions. Thanks again.
George Darnell
402-677-8762. Cell + texts
712-526-2251. Work
This will open up an entirely new universe for you and allow real time collaboration. Its so easy, even I use it. And I have 10 thumbs
To use FaceTime, you can:
Sign in to your Apple ID and enable FaceTime. This is a one-time step.
Open the FaceTime app.
To make a call, you can:
Tap New FaceTime
Enter the name or phone number of the person you want to call
Tap the FaceTime button for a video call or the Call button for an audio call
If the person is in your contacts, you can start typing their name and tap it when it appears
To answer a FaceTime call, you can:
Tap Hold and Accept to put the current call on hold and answer the incoming call
Tap End & Accept to end the current call and answer the incoming call
You can also use Siri to make a FaceTime call. For example, you can say “Make a FaceTime call” or “Call Eliza’s mobile”.
FaceTime is free to use and works over Wi-Fi or cellular data. You can use FaceTime on iPhone 4 or later, iPad Pro (all models), iPad 2 or later, iPad mini (all models), and iPod touch 4th generation or later. A Mac laptop or desktop needs a camera and microphone to use FaceTime.
You can also use SharePlay to share content with others during a FaceTime call. For example, you can watch a video, listen to music, or work out together.
Did you check to see if the lock-bolt was backed out and causing the plates to slip and not allow the dog to engage to keep the gear locked in forward. I had that happen to me on an old Chrysler crown engine with the same reverse gear.
There could also be something that came loose and has caused the problem.
I have a manual that I can download and send if you need more details.
Well with the help of Matt to bring me into the 21st Century, I FaceTimed David Van Ness who, on a Sunday no less, solved my transmission problem . Issue was the forward gear adjustment.
David is an expert on Paragons and Hercules. I highly recommend VanNess Engineering for any old boat engine repair or parts.
Thanks for everyone’s input and help! With these ‘W’s’ I’m sure this won’t be the last you hear from me.
