1987 OMC outdrive shifting problem

[tjsolberg]

Hi All,

I'm having some trouble with my STBD outdrive and can't seem to get it adjusted properly. It's a new lower unit, about a year ago, but I never thought it shifted properly so I decided to do some research and look for a good write up on adjusting it and found one on this site. When I follow the instructions for adjusting at the shift linkage on top of the engine, I can't get it into gear, FWD or REV. So when I make ajustments for FWD, I can get it into FWD, but not REV. When I make an adjustment for REV, I can get it into REV, but not FWD. If I adjust it according to the instructions, I can't get it into FWD or REV. I'm thinking that the shift rod in the outdrive wasn't adjusted properly or maybe the cable from the shift linkage to the outdrive isn't adjusted properly. Any suggestions would be great. TIA

Tim

 

[tjsolberg]

Re: 1987 OMC outdrive shifting problem

Did I not explain my problem well enough? Is there no input out there? Anybody?

Tim

 

[Bondo]

Re: 1987 OMC outdrive shifting problem

Did I not explain my problem well enough? Is there no input out there? Anybody?

Tim

Ayuh,.... Sorry Tim, but guys who work on OMCs are gettin' as rare as their Parts....
I'm a Mechanic, just not an OMC Mechanic...

My Guess, is the lower shift cable has worn a groove in the outer casing, causing to much slop in it's movements...
Merc's'll do the same thing...

Replacin' the lower shift cable fixes it on a Merc...

But again,... I ain't an OMC Tech...

 

[southkogs]

Re: 1987 OMC outdrive shifting problem

Tim, hang in for a few. There are a couple of guys who are geniuses with these drives. I'd take a stab at ya' but I'm electric shift ... whole different can o' worms.

 

[tjsolberg]

Re: 1987 OMC outdrive shifting problem

Thanks Bondo. I'll look at the Transom Shift Cable.

Southkogs, Thanks. I'll hang in there.

 

[kmarine]

Re: 1987 OMC outdrive shifting problem

Your problemb is probably a lower shift cable strech issue. This was the most common problemb with this drive. I recomend finding A mechanic familure with this issue. I have adjusted many and prefer to have the boat in the water to adjust them properly. there was also a service update in this issue and the overstroke switch was removed and a time out module was installed. You definately need the manual if you have not worked on these before. good luck.

 

[Howard Sterndrive]

Re: 1987 OMC outdrive shifting problem

probably not news, but in case OP isn't aware of this site:
http://www.hastings.org/~stuart/cobra/

also, if the lower is not a match to the boat, can be issues with shift rod height. They made a lot of changes to the adjustment process and engine mounted linkages between 1986 and 1990.

I have all the adjustment videos for clutch dog Cobras on VHS... I'm planning on digitizing them and hope to have them on youtube someday soon. But I was surprised how the procedures are so specific to particular serial number prefix when watching them.

 

[MRS]

Re: 1987 OMC outdrive shifting problem

If the outdrive is right did the transom shift cable also get changed? Is it black or red if black need to change for sure the link Howard gave you needs to be followed to the tee. Plus no matter what colour the cables is it should have been changed check this link out for the tools to use I changed my twice and then got these and made my life way easier with the right tools.
http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=532964 Good luck with your job...

 

[tjsolberg]

Re: 1987 OMC outdrive shifting problem

Thanks everyone for the information. I now have some direction and will be looking at it this weekend. If anyone else has info to share, please do. Information is good. Thanks again all.

Tim

 

[bruceb58]

Re: 1987 OMC outdrive shifting problem

The shift housing fails on these and cause the exact problems you are describing. Tilt the drive up and look on the starboard side where the cable enters the drive. This is where the cable housing usually fails.

 

[tjsolberg]

Re: 1987 OMC outdrive shifting problem

Where can I buy the tools to properly adjust the outdrive transom shift cable?

 

[MRS]

Re: 1987 OMC outdrive shifting problem

http://www.marinepartshouse.com/omc....html?osCsid=ccb2656bbcd27571826c5e74150c115a
Read the other post also added more information there..

 

[bruceb58]

Re: 1987 OMC outdrive shifting problem

Where can I buy the tools to properly adjust the outdrive transom shift cable?

If you need more than just a small adjustment, you really need to replace the cable. Whenever these cables start needing adjustments, they are in the process of failing and continued use will cause more damage to the lower dog clutch.

 

[tjsolberg]

Re: 1987 OMC outdrive shifting problem

Thanks. I'm ordering new cables and the tools.