1984 OMC Lower SHIFT CABLE ADJUSTMENT PROBLEMS

[lutzsucceed]

I have a 1984 3.0 Liter 140 hp w/400 Sterndrive - Mechanical Shift I believe. SELOC Stern Drive Manual - I need an OMC SHOP MANUAL....

While working on adjusting the Nominal Neutral and ESA/Overstroke set up - the shift arm inside the converter box is too far to the right and the overstroke doesn't hit the FWD Actuator even when adjusted to the limit. Also, the cable from the Remote Control Box is adjusted out to it's limit.

Does this sound like we need the Dreaded New Lower Cable? I mean, it seems as if the cables are too short - not like it stretched - if that makes sense?

NOTE: Does this adjustment need to be done in the WATER? The Manual said to hook up to the hose (which we did...) but I'm confused as to why it needs to be in the water- but will definitely take it to the lake if it makes a difference.

NOTE 2: IF it does need the dreaded New Lower Cable - it sounds like it's A VERY DIFFICULT swap and requires special tools and an OMC SHOP MANUAL?

Apologies if this has been covered many times before - I'm having difficulty finding info on my setup. THANKS FOR THE HELP!

 

[floattest]

Re: 1984 OMC Lower SHIFT CABLE ADJUSTMENT PROBLEMS

I'm not sure how the seloc manual describes this procedure. The factory manual is pretty clear. Another source is this description:

http://support.crowleymarine.com/entries/113033-omc-stringer-shift-cap-and-cable-installation

The part of the process that sounds like it was done incorrectly on your setup is the part labeled "Installation of Shift Housing Assembly".

The dimension limits they give you will put the nominal neutral pretty close to where it was from factory. Then there is a nominal neutral test that you do after the shift converter is all reassembled. And then the over stroke switches are adjusted after that.

I don't know if all these steps can be done with the drive installed. I think it is possible. I did this with the drive off and it was pretty easy. With the cable ends removed from the converter if you can get it to engage into fwd and rev, you should be able to take the cable dimensions to determine if that's the problem. The bad news is, if you find that this below is wrong:

Continued assembly of shift cable that does not meet the 7-5/32 to 7-29/32" (18.2 to 20.08cm) dimension may lead to shift stroke restriction at the shift converter housing and prevent full engagement of the clutch dog. This can result in ratcheting that can damage shift system components.

The solution is going to be take drive off, take lower off, re-install shift cap assembly with the above criteria met correctly.

Anyone else able to direct the poster as to how he can check this with drive installed.

 

[floattest]

Re: 1984 OMC Lower SHIFT CABLE ADJUSTMENT PROBLEMS

Something else just struck me with your comment: "It seems the cables are too short".

Is the end of the cable housing completely seated into the shift converter? Are you routing the cables correctly through the converter?

I've done this a couple of times now and it's not simple. There is a plastic piece that the cables route through and around and it only goes together correctly one way. You really need to make sure that the cables are going around this plastic router correctly. It could jam up and prevent you from shifting if done wrong.

Verify that this procedure was done correctly:

http://support.crowleymarine.com/en...nger-installation-of-cable-in-shift-converter

By the way, all of these links are procedures from the factory manuals.

 

[lutzsucceed]

Re: 1984 OMC Lower SHIFT CABLE ADJUSTMENT PROBLEMS

Floattest, thank you for taking the time to post all the great info. The Crowley site was our guide.

I should give some back story to this saga: We pulled the motor/intermediate/outdrive to repair the floor and motor mounts. We left the Drive Cable attached to the Outdrive being very careful not to damage the cable during the removal and storage over the winter.

After completing the floor repairs we installed the mechanicals and following the seloc manual and Crowley I routed the cables according to the site. You're right about this being difficult - being a novice, it takes a lot of research and patience to even attempt -

I'm going to pull the converter apart 1 MORE TIME and make sure those cables are routed correctly and if we can't get it - I'm going to have to take it to mechanic on Monday.

THANKS AGAIN for the great post - I will try to get some pics of the situation - although it is very difficult to get at the shift converter let alone take pics...

 

[Celtichawk]

Re: 1984 OMC Lower SHIFT CABLE ADJUSTMENT PROBLEMS

Floattest, thank you for taking the time to post all the great info. The Crowley site was our guide.

I should give some back story to this saga: We pulled the motor/intermediate/outdrive to repair the floor and motor mounts. We left the Drive Cable attached to the Outdrive being very careful not to damage the cable during the removal and storage over the winter.

After completing the floor repairs we installed the mechanicals and following the seloc manual and Crowley I routed the cables according to the site. You're right about this being difficult - being a novice, it takes a lot of research and patience to even attempt -

I'm going to pull the converter apart 1 MORE TIME and make sure those cables are routed correctly and if we can't get it - I'm going to have to take it to mechanic on Monday.

THANKS AGAIN for the great post - I will try to get some pics of the situation - although it is very difficult to get at the shift converter let alone take pics...

(No Such Thing As A Floor in a Boat!!!!! Sorry But Try DECK! Just some Boat terminology, basic seamanship.

 

[Nivekt]

Re: 1984 OMC Lower SHIFT CABLE ADJUSTMENT PROBLEMS

(No Such Thing As A Floor in a Boat!!!!! Sorry But Try DECK! Just some Boat terminology, basic seamanship.

Really? Revive a 4 month old thread for grammar correction?

 

[Celtichawk]

Re: 1984 OMC Lower SHIFT CABLE ADJUSTMENT PROBLEMS

Nivekt,
Well first I would like to say good point, except that you managed to make a comment as well! So you have actually started the discussion. Anyways, I was bored, drinking Jameson and came across this thread. Ooops my bad for being 4 months old, sorry I'm salty!

 

[Nivekt]

Re: 1984 OMC Lower SHIFT CABLE ADJUSTMENT PROBLEMS

Mmmm...Jameson. You are excused sir.