hard shifting omc ,any suggestions

[ccp1]

i have a 87 bayliner 2.3 sterndrive. It shifts fine when it is sitting in my driveway with a hose, but when i put it in the water it is real hard to shift. i even have to turn the engine off to get it back into neutral. any suggestions?

 

[DHPMARINE]

Re: hard shifting omc ,any suggestions

Check the idle speed.The design of the lower unit gears and clutch dog require a slow idle for good shifting.(as well to keep them in gear at higher revs)<br /><br />The spec is below 700 RPM,but I don't have it here.<br /><br />DHP

 

[Lou C]

Re: hard shifting omc ,any suggestions

go to<br />www.funkopolis.com:8080/~stuart/cobra/<br />This website has just about everything you need to know. <br />The idle speed has to be right, the condition of the transome shift cable, shift bellcrank, and ESA system is critical to get these to shift right. When set up right they shift very smoothly, just a slight clunk into gear, and should come easily out of gear.<br />Mine was like that when I got it, I had an OMC pro get it shifting right.

 

[rbezdon]

Re: hard shifting omc ,any suggestions

almost certainly the ESA is not working right. Adjust if it is functioning. Replace if not. Test by starting engine and activate the ESA by pushing the switch lever with your finger. If the engine slows the ESA is OK and needs adjusting, if it doesnt slow the engine the switch wiring or ESA needs to be replaced.