Another Can't Shift Into Neutral Problem w/ diagram pictures...

[playyas4u]

I have read all of the threads about hard shifting and not being able to shift into neutral. I have done a lot of troubleshooting and think I know what the problem is, but don't know how to fix it. My shift assist module is working if I manually press the button on the arm. The engine will stumble when the button is press manually. However, I don't think the button is being automatically pressed when I try to shift into neutral because the engine doesn't stumble. So what do I need to do to make the button get pressed when I try to shift into neutral??? I've done some reading on the hastings site but can not make out the pictures for troubleshooting. If someone could post a clearer picture of the following link or atleast explain the picture, that would be great. http://www.hastings.org/~stuart/cobra/sb4052_2.jpg Thanks.

 

[wire2]

Re: Another Can't Shift Into Neutral Problem w/ diagram pictures...

I *believe* we're talking about an OMC stringer?

The cover of the shift converter holds the switches to enable the interrupter *if* it senses mechanical resistance to a shift.

With engine idling, watch the action while someone shifts it.
You may see a problem there.

What's the idle rpm? Mine is ~550, the interrupter drops it to 350 momentarily. (5.7)

 

[RedRaiderSkiCat]

Re: Another Can't Shift Into Neutral Problem w/ diagram pictures...

My OMC wouldn't shift from Forward to Neutral; or Reverse to Neutral. Followed the Manual and tested the Interrupter switch first. It seemed to be working manually, but after reading more on these forums, ordered a new interrupter anyway for $ 45. Installed it. Now boat runs like a champ. Check the arm on the switch to determine if it is broken.

 

[fendersfender]

Re: Another Can't Shift Into Neutral Problem w/ diagram pictures...

YEP..have someone shift while you watch....sounds like your esa needs adjustment....you service manual will help.....have you tried shifting with engine off....it should shift ok with engine off...this will eliminate the possibility of a bad shift cable..just a thought

 

[playyas4u]

Re: Another Can't Shift Into Neutral Problem w/ diagram pictures...

If I turn the engine off, it will go into neutral. I will post some pictures later and maybe someone can identify my problem. I have watched it while I shift and the little ball on the arm doesn't fall flush between the gap on the gear wheel. I have to wiggle the throttle and eventually the arm will fall between the gap and the engine will shift into neutral.

 

[rowdyrebel]

Re: Another Can't Shift Into Neutral Problem w/ diagram pictures...

Check your lower shift cable. sounds sticky

 

[dave4151]

Re: Another Can't Shift Into Neutral Problem w/ diagram pictures...

Check this thread out.

http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=216813&highlight=interupt

 

[HT32BSX115]

Re: Another Can't Shift Into Neutral Problem w/ diagram pictures...

You REALLY need to post what you're talking about..... Make, Model, year.


From your original post it appears you're talking about an early OMC Cobra.

If it's REALLY a Cobra and the ESA is working, AND it shifts easily into and out of gear out of the water, then the lower shift cable is probably not the main problem (although it still may need replacing)

More than likely the linkage or the micro-switches that operate when shifting are either defective or out of adjustment.

The drive MUST be in the water when adjusting the linkage. The shift-dogs can only be loaded when the prop is in the water so that there's enough push or pull force to activate the ESA linkage.

The Hastings article is a great help, but you need to have the correct OEM manual to have good illustrations.



Regards,



Rick

 

[Don S]

Re: Another Can't Shift Into Neutral Problem w/ diagram pictures...

Don't expect a reply Rick, it's from Sept of last year.

 

[HT32BSX115]

Re: Another Can't Shift Into Neutral Problem w/ diagram pictures...

Oh, jeeze!!!.......bitten by the old thread bug again! I suppose I need to make my fonts a little bigger so I can actually READ them!!!

Don't expect a reply Rick, it's from Sept of last year.

 

[playyas4u]

Re: Another Can't Shift Into Neutral Problem w/ diagram pictures...

I do actually check my old posts! It is a 1992 OMC 3.0L. It will shift without a problem out of the water. I push the button in on the ESA switch and the engine did stumble. I noticed that the arm that suppose to push the switch when shifting did not actually push the button, so i bent the metal arm a little so it will push the button on the switch (ESA). I have not had a chance to test the boat in the water b/c it's currently winter time here. What do you think about bending the arm so that the button is being pressed when I shift into neutral?

 

[Don S]

Re: Another Can't Shift Into Neutral Problem w/ diagram pictures...

How it works out of the water has nothing to do with how it acts IN THE WATER.
There is a way to adjust everything, without a manual, you are bending things and hoping for the best while not having a clue how the system is even supposed to work.

 

[playyas4u]

Re: Another Can't Shift Into Neutral Problem w/ diagram pictures...

I had a chance to take my boat out today and I was suprise that I am now able to shift into neutral without a problem. It may have been pure luck but by bending the arm so that it pushes in the button (on ESA) actually fixed the problem. Now that's what I call a cheap fix! I did not have one time that it didn't won't to go into neutral today. Normally it would always mess up and not go into neutral.