86 3.0l Cobra Stuck In Reverse

[PINESOL]

i took my boat out yesterday to check for pre summer issues .. and of coarse found one ..
at the dock it started right up and idled perfect , it was running a little rich but not bad at all . i checked shifting operation at the dock all was good ..
so i backed out put it in forward gear just fine . went less than a mile and decided to lean it out just a little .. found a good little cove to let my son play with his gas powered r/c boat .. shut it down kicked back for a while nosed up to shore .. when we were leaving i backed the boat up put it in neutral and it was still ingaged in reverse . the shifter was really stiff. first thing im thinking is shift cable to the stern drive either out of adjustment . or freyed .. is there a good way to check this .. or is there another issue that im missing ..

 

[HT32BSX115]

Re: 86 3.0l Cobra Stuck In Reverse

If you can shift it into and out of gear, forward and reverse when it's on the trailer, but not when it's in the water, you have one of a few things possible.

The ESA (electronic shift assist) is faulty, the linkage/micro-switches that control it are out of adjustment or defective, The lower shift cable is defective/rusty/frayed or seriously out of adjustment.

If you want to even attempt to fix it yourself, you'll need a correct year/model OEM service manual and a copy of the "Stuart Hastings" Cobra article.


Just google "stuart hastings cobra" and you'll find it quickly.


It's an OMC Cobra. Good luck.

 

[PINESOL]

Re: 86 3.0l Cobra Stuck In Reverse

thanks for the input ... the shifter is tight on the trailer too .it is very difficult to even move the handle . i am doing some searching and learning quite a bit . i will look much closer tonight when i get off work . if it is a lower cable i will not attempt it myself ..

 

[HT32BSX115]

Re: 86 3.0l Cobra Stuck In Reverse

If it's hard out of the water, it could be the lower shift cable.

It also sounds like your throttle & shift cables are pretty stiff too.

Those cables are not expensive and you need them to operate freely.

You can buy new ones right here on iBoats or other places. All you need is the model number on each cable and it usually includes the length of each. It is EXTREMELY important that your shifting/throttle system of cables and linkage operates correctly and freely.

If it doesn't you can damage the drive quickly



Regards,


Rick

thanks for the input ... the shifter is tight on the trailer too .it is very difficult to even move the handle . i am doing some searching and learning quite a bit . i will look much closer tonight when i get off work . if it is a lower cable i will not attempt it myself ..

 

[PINESOL]

Re: 86 3.0l Cobra Stuck In Reverse

thanks for your help ... i had a few minutes last night ...
i disconnected the red cable at the engine bracket and the shifter moves freely .. i will take it to a shop .. my luck i will just mess it up worse ..