89 Bayliner Capri 2.3 L shifting probs

[rileyfam5]

I have a 89 Bayliner Capri with the 2.3l ford with the cobra stern drive. The boat will shift good in the water once maby twice and then it starts freezing up. I have to cut the boat off and fight to get it back into N. Then it will start all over. Does any one have any suggestions. Im new to this whole thing. Thank you

 

[bruceb58]

Re: 89 Bayliner Capri 2.3 L shifting probs

Sounds like your ESA(Electronic Shift Assist) isn't working.

You still have your points ignition?

 

[bruceb58]

Re: 89 Bayliner Capri 2.3 L shifting probs

You will have something that look similar to this:

Depress the interrupt switch(one with the roller) that sits in the center of the "W" cam. The engine should stumble.

 

[rileyfam5]

Re: 89 Bayliner Capri 2.3 L shifting probs

Looks just like that. Do yall think it could be any thing else. Im not shure what points your refuring to. Like i said im new to this.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: 89 Bayliner Capri 2.3 L shifting probs

Looks just like that. Do yall think it could be any thing else. Im not shure what points your refuring to. Like i said im new to this.

If some one replaced the points in your distributor with a pertronix ignition, your ESA might not work if another modification wasn't done.

How long have you owned this boat?

 

[rileyfam5]

Re: 89 Bayliner Capri 2.3 L shifting probs

We just got the boat about two weeks ago. We put it in the water this past weekend and couldnt get it in R. Finaly got it and went to D and it kept stalling. Got it going again and after a few times in R and D it started sticking. I thought it was the cable from the throttle lever to the motor. So i took it off and it moves well. So i tryed to shift it with the cable off but the trans cable still hooked and it's a little diffacult. Should i try it with it running? What do you think.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: 89 Bayliner Capri 2.3 L shifting probs

Your lower shift cable is likely the problem. OMC Cobras had a bad history with the lower shift cable. You should read this:

OMC Cobra Sterndrive Tech Info

and buy a real OMC OEM manual.

 

[rileyfam5]

Re: 89 Bayliner Capri 2.3 L shifting probs

Is the shift cable hard to do. I called around and every one i talked to said it didnt have a cable it had a rod. But i got an est of 450 to replace it.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: 89 Bayliner Capri 2.3 L shifting probs

Is the shift cable hard to do. I called around and every one i talked to said it didnt have a cable it had a rod. But i got an est of 450 to replace it.

I watched someone do mine the first time. The hardest thing to do is really taking the drive off. You also need 2 special tools to make the adjustment.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Omc-Cobra-B..._Accessories_Gear&hash=item4612e38421&vxp=mtr

It does have a rod but its the cable that moves a bellcrank that then pushes on a rod. It's the cable you need to replace.

$450 sounds about right especially if they use an OEM cable which you should use.

 

[rileyfam5]

Re: 89 Bayliner Capri 2.3 L shifting probs

I realy do appreciate all the addvice. I think 80 for the cable and 90 for the tool ill just pay to have it done. I was told 2 to 3 hrs to have it done. I would take me a few days. I just hope it is just that and not the shift mec. The guy said that part is expensive. Thank you.