1990 OMC Cobra Won't keep adjustment

[ozarkboater]

I have a puzzling problem w/my 1990 OMC cobra Outdrive. I purchased the boat last spring and everything seemed to work smoothly. The outdrive shifted easily between forward/Reverse w/no grinding. We used the boat all last year w/little or no trouble although towards the end of the season, shifting into reserve seemed to take more effort and occasion grinding could be heard. This spring, the boat would not go into reverse so i had attempted to adjust both the upper and lower cables coming from the shift box. I then decided that it would be better to have a professional look at it, which I did. He made a minor adjustment to the upper cable and everything seemed to work very smoothly. However, now, whenever I run the boat for any length of time in forward gear, when I go for reverse, it is not there. I can go to the upper cable, looen the locknuts and spin what I assume is the plastic adjustment knob, and everything is good. However, as soon as I have run for any length of time, it's back out of adjustment. Is there anyone who has ever had this happen and what can I do to rectify it. I was wondering if the adjuster could somehow be spinning while underway? Any ideas would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Don S]

Re: 1990 OMC Cobra Won't keep adjustment

The lower shift cable is probably wore out. Too much internal movement of the inner cable causing excess movement that can't be adjusted out. Time for a new one.

 

[ozarkboater]

Re: 1990 OMC Cobra Won't keep adjustment

by lower cable are you talking about the cable that goes through to the actual gearset? Is it possible that in my misguided attempt to adjust it w/o proper guidance that I have inadvertantly put it out of adjustment that could be corrected. Also, why is it that a minor adjusment on the top end seems to correct it but it won't stay?