Cobra shift problem/adjusting cable

[Igofaster13]

My drive is not shifting right. It will click a little and then go into gear, I tryed adjusting the cable on top of the engine and it helped a little. The cable from the controls is very free with no binding. When it clicks in gear I can go back to the shift mechanism on top of the engine and move it a hair to go into gear fully. What could be the problem???

 

[Don S]

Re: Cobra shift problem/adjusting cable

You need a new shift cable. They don't just suddenly fall out of adjustment, they wear out and get too much slop.<br />Replace it and go boating, or play with the adjustment..... ALL SUMMER! and have to replace the shift dog and gears because they are rounded over.

 

[Igofaster13]

Re: Cobra shift problem/adjusting cable

Thats what I was thinking but the cable was so free/not binding when I checked it that I just put it back together. Well I will go buy a new shifter cable, hopfully its not the lower shift cable that goes into the drive!

 

[Don S]

Re: Cobra shift problem/adjusting cable

The lower one is the one that causes 99% of the problems.

 

[Igofaster13]

Re: Cobra shift problem/adjusting cable

Well thats not good, I think you have to take off the drive to replace the lower. I will start with the upper and see how it goes.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Cobra shift problem/adjusting cable

You're Wasting your Time,+ Money......... <br /><br />It's the 1 that's a B!tsh to Change............ <br />

I will start with the upper and see how it goes.

Don has already Explained How it's going to Go............

 

[Igofaster13]

Re: Cobra shift problem/adjusting cable

well, that sucks. I will still try with the easy one first. Does anybody know what exactly has to be done to change the lower shift cable...........I allready have a book, I am just looking for some input. Thanks

 

[boatgrunt]

Re: Cobra shift problem/adjusting cable

For adjusting the cable, people usually suggest the following link:<br /><br /> http://www.hastings.org/~stuart/cobra/ <br /><br />I have actually found Stuart's documentation to be a little confusing in parts. However, as the experts have suggested, you almost definitely need a new cable. I would bite the bullet and have a professional do this one since in my opinion, you risk too much (i.e., gears) by doing it yourself.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Cobra shift problem/adjusting cable

When I had a Cobra I changed that bottom cable 3 different times. When it starts needing adjustments like yours, it is time to replace the cable. <br /><br />It is not the top cable. Don't even bother with that one.<br /><br />You should be pulling the drive anyway to check your gimbal bearing and grease your u-joints.

 

[Igofaster13]

Re: Cobra shift problem/adjusting cable

Why did you have to replace the cable 3 times, Thats crazy, how long did a cable last you?

 

[seahorse5]

Re: Cobra shift problem/adjusting cable

On your 19 year old Bayliner, the control box is probably the imported Hi-Lex plastic one that wears out very quickly, and the boat shift cable quite possibly is worn also. With the control box in neutral and the shift cable end removed from the engine, grab the black cable end and push and pull the "slop" in the system, if it is much over 1/4", the system and/or cable is very worn and it will never shift correctly.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Cobra shift problem/adjusting cable

They lasted around 4 years apiece.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Cobra shift problem/adjusting cable

Originally posted by seahorse:<br /> On your 19 year old Bayliner, the control box is probably the imported Hi-Lex plastic one that wears out very quickly, and the boat shift cable quite possibly is worn also. With the control box in neutral and the shift cable end removed from the engine, grab the black cable end and push and pull the "slop" in the system, if it is much over 1/4", the system and/or cable is very worn and it will never shift correctly.

This was true with my Bayliner. Tons of slop in the controller. I replaced mine with an OMC/Volvo brand one back then. <br /><br />I also supported the shift cable along its entire length by wire tying it to the steering cable housing. I noticed that by doing that, it reduced the slop in the shift cable back at the engine.

 

[Igofaster13]

Re: Cobra shift problem/adjusting cable

Well I replaced the cable from the control box and it did nothing for the shifting problem. Going to take off the drive and replace the lower shift cable next, the book said to align you engine, what has to be done to do this??

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Cobra shift problem/adjusting cable

Rent or buy an alignment tool. It basically simulates the input shaft from the drive but does not have splines on it. You adjust the front of the engine up and down until the tool slides freely in and out of th eengine coupler.<br /><br />Here is one:<br /><br /> http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/NEW-...hZ002QQitemZ4646118586QQrdZ1QQsspagenameZWDVW