thanks, just wanted to see if I want to get into it. I already have the outdrive off, and the manual in the sticky section didnt cover the process as thoroughly as I would have wanted
The manual in the sticky section is the Seloc manual and really sucks when it comes to the shift cable. You really need the OEM manual for the shift cable.
You don't want to learn from experience on an I/O drive. It will cost you more than it's worth.
Get an OMC service manual and follow the instructions. Not a SELOC. Not a Clymers.
You do not need the plate to adjust the cable. You can use Stuart Hasting's website instructions and they work great. My drive shifts perfectly and I use his method.
It's not magic, rocket science or even difficult. It's just tedious. Adjust it properly and your drive will last a long, long time. Get impatient and guess, and your drive will go "boom".
I just completed the lower shift cable replacement on a 91 Cobra powered by a 3.0 Liter HO. No special tool used. Just followed the instructions found here. There is a section that refers to a pre-special tool procedure to accomplish the correct settings. They worked well for me. Shifts like a dream.
thanks for the link. I dont think mine takes 2 pounds of pressure, worked well last year when i lubed the cable with graphite cable lubricant. the part in the outdrive seems hard to push up and down, definately mote than 2 pounds
Use a fish scale on the cable. You can't measure 1 or 2 pounds with your hand.
You also didn't say "I followed the manual" or "I read the website and did it that way" which tells me you guessed. That means your cable is adjusted incorrectly, plain and simple.
no I didn't use a fish scale, I don't own one. I didn't follow the manual, I searched for as much info as I could find. The cable is probably, make that more then likely adjusted incorrectly. I had a problem shifting into reverse last year last run, when I checked the cable my (class A) mechanics mind is telling me the cable is too stiff, which is why I want to change it anyway and start from scratch. I did check my local library but didnt find an omc manual, though to save my outdrive I'd rather invest in a OMC manual. I'd like to remove the cable so I can measure it up so I can order the manual, cable and all other parts I need at once, maybe save on shipping.
Tell him Gary in NC sent you and ask if he has one thats not so expensive..
Its worth every penny at that price anyway but it is the only way to go for that engine and drive.