'87 OMC Cobra Stern Drive- Shift Problem?

[larry1167]

I was adjusting the idle speed on muffs today, therefore, had to put the drive in gear to get proper read on RPM. Is it bad for the drive gears to put the drive in gear out of the water due to the fact that there is no pressure on the prop? When I did this, going into gear sounded much different than when doing it in the water. I did this once before a few years ago and I got the typical OMC "clunk" when putting it in gear. I did it today and it sounded much different. It wasn't just one "clunk". It sounded like 2 or 3 clunks before it went into gear. Does it sound like I have a problem? I hope this is not a really dumb question. I know it might be touch to decipher without actually hearing it.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: '87 OMC Cobra Stern Drive- Shift Problem?

You are probably fine. It won't sound the same because the water muffles a good part of the noise. If you are out of the water, make sure when shifting from forward to reverse that you give time for the prop to stop spinning between gears.

 

[larry1167]

Re: '87 OMC Cobra Stern Drive- Shift Problem?

Thanks Bruce. I did a little research and found out I may need to check my transom shift cable. I don't know how old it is. My boat is an '87 and I am the second owner.

 

[chiefalen]

Re: '87 OMC Cobra Stern Drive- Shift Problem?

The test is how it works on the water. Shift good run good?

If it ain't broke don't fix it.

 

[danond]

Re: '87 OMC Cobra Stern Drive- Shift Problem?

My '89 is always goofy shifting on muffs. I only shift on muffs if I have to. Works perfectly in the water.

 

[mthieme]

Re: '87 OMC Cobra Stern Drive- Shift Problem?

I had to replace my cable a few seasons ago.
When I popped the unit off I discovered that where the cable connects is a little pocket that accumulated a bunch of mud/silt/whatever which helped hinder shifting. On the outside of the drive is a plug. If you can get it out, it's something you check periodically also.

 

[caminoomc]

Re: '87 OMC Cobra Stern Drive- Shift Problem?

Hi,

My boat (1992 Reinell 3.0 liter 4 cylinder OMC outdrive) will not shift into forward gear only reverse. As stated by username (larry1167) the normal clunck when shifting had been getting worse and now no forward gear. Any suggestions on where to start looking for the problem.

Thank you.

 

[zbnutcase]

Re: '87 OMC Cobra Stern Drive- Shift Problem?

Start a new thread man! 'nutcase

 

[caminoomc]

Re: '87 OMC Cobra Stern Drive- Shift Problem?

Nive response, very professional

 

[flyer4ever]

Re: '87 OMC Cobra Stern Drive- Shift Problem?

Be cool Caminoomc, I think nutcase just ment that if you start your own thread, You will get much more help than asking a question on someone else's thread. These guys are great, but there is a proven system that works best to get help. Anyway ,welcome to the forum.

 

[Lodgepole]

Re: '87 OMC Cobra Stern Drive- Shift Problem?

First of all, You should not be setting idle RPM on muffs. You need the load of water on the prop in gear.

 

[caminoomc]

Re: '87 OMC Cobra Stern Drive- Shift Problem?

I am new to this site and and thought I was being called a NUTCASE. After sending my response I noticed the user name. I applogize nutcase

 

[HT32BSX115]

Re: '87 OMC Cobra Stern Drive- Shift Problem?

Yeah!

I saw him reply to someone about his upper drive-gearcase and I thought he said he needed a new nutcase!


Your problem is common. The 5 degree shift dogs in the Cobras don't "pull-in" all that well when the prop is not torque-loaded (like when actually in the water) so it will not be as "positive" a shift when out of the water.


Your bet bet is to start a thread when you have a question instead of tagging onto someone elses thread.....More people will see it that way and you'll get more answers. (that can be good & bad)


Welcome to iBoats btw!!!

Read thru the first couple of "sticky" threads in this forum for a lot of answers too!


Cheers,

Rick