Cobra Clunk Underway

[Chuckyd973]

I installed a new shift cable into my cobra. It took me forever to adjust it so that it would go in and out of gear easily. Now im getting a clunking noise every 1 - 2 minutes underway at full throttle. Any ideas? Btw 1989 21' Bayliner Trophy Hard Top 3.0 Cobra Outdrive.

Chuck

 

[Bondo]

Re: Cobra Clunk Underway

Now im getting a clunking noise every 1 - 2 minutes underway at full throttle

Ayuh,.... You waited Too Long to fix the shift cable Problem,+ now the dog-clutches are worn off...

 

[a70eliminator]

Re: Cobra Clunk Underway

Your cable either is still out of adjustment or the clutch engagement teeth (dogs) are hammered.

 

[Chuckyd973]

Re: Cobra Clunk Underway

Think its not in gear fully? How can i make an adjustment without taking the drive off? Dont wanna mes up how it shifts now either. It really goes into gear nice and easily

Chuck

 

[Chuckyd973]

Re: Cobra Clunk Underway

bump

 

[Howard Sterndrive]

Re: Cobra Clunk Underway

http://www.hastings.org/~stuart/cobra/

 

[skeat]

Re: Cobra Clunk Underway

Follow the manual exactly. Did you make sure you had 7 5/8's inches from the cable casing before locking it on the bellcrank in the neutral position? It sounds like you are not getting the full range of motion

 

[Chuckyd973]

Re: Cobra Clunk Underway

Yes i checked my cable measurements.....Checked outdrive shift rod. Going from nuetral to forward the shift rod will move 1/4 inch goin from nuetral to reverse the shift rod will move 5/8 inch.......To me this makes no sence.....anyone have any input? I really dont want to mess with my shift cable anymore because it literally shifts with a finger...and the slightest adjustment of the retainer etc etc makes it not want to find teh right gear..Obviously if I have to adjust the shift rod I would assume I would need to adjust the cable at the transom at the very least.

Chuck

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Cobra Clunk Underway

Your clutch dogs are gone. No adjustment of the cable is going to help you.

 

[Chuckyd973]

Re: Cobra Clunk Underway

The lower unit is relatively new.....Not sure how you can tell the dogs are gone all the way from Cali.....but thanks for your input.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Cobra Clunk Underway

The lower unit is relatively new.....Not sure how you can tell the dogs are gone all the way from Cali.....but thanks for your input.

Because I have been in your position before. Bought a boat that had the exact same problem. That's what happens to these drives when the lower shift cable goes out of adjustment or fails and the boat is still driven.

OMC had a major recall in the late 80's for this exact reason. They replaced a lot of gear sets(dog clutches).

Sorry that's not what you want to hear.

 

[skeat]

Re: Cobra Clunk Underway

If your drive is in good shape and this only started happening since you replaced the cable it is possible that it is not shot yet, but continue to operate it this way and you can guarantee you will ruin it. There is no easy way to solve this. You have to make sure the cable is adjusted correctly, misadjusted cables were the causes of the Cobra problems. Everything has to operate with a minimum of drag also, so make sure nothing is causing restriction in motion. ie twisted cables, dry trunions etc

 

[Howard Sterndrive]

Re: Cobra Clunk Underway

The lower unit is relatively new.....Not sure how you can tell the dogs are gone all the way from Cali.....but thanks for your input.

with the full load of a 21 footer on the wee 400 series lower (13 spline propshaft), 2 or 3 good clunks under way and they're done.

I could tell you that from the moon

1990 or 91 they went to the bigger 800 size lower unit on the 3.0

if you are ever shopping for used outdrives look for 15 spline propshaft

 

[Chuckyd973]

Re: Cobra Clunk Underway

Howard whats involved with changing out the clutch dogs? You wouldnt happen to have a video on yur site about it would you?

Chuck

 

[Howard Sterndrive]

Re: Cobra Clunk Underway

I have no site, but the OMC manual is the best for a step by step on the disassembly and assembly of the lower unit.

I actually have the Cobra upper and lower gearcase videos on VHS here but I have no way of digitizing them and there's several hours worth. another few hours of King Cobra...

Maybe they'll show up on youtube someday

 

[Chuckyd973]

Re: Cobra Clunk Underway

I picked up another outdrive on craigslist for $500.00! it works like a Charm! When I have more time i will dissassemble and rebuild the othe unit as a back up.

Chuck