ESA OMC Cobra

[Joshua Nichols]

Well was getting things lined out on the boat.. Turns out that noise I was hearing was my Y pipe rubbing on the exhaust upper.. Yeah it makes a horrible noise.. Sounds kinda like u joints.. Figured it wasn't the u joints after I fired up the engine with the outdrive off and still could hear it.. Took a while to figure this one out..

Anyhow.. I am pretty sure my ESA module is shot.. Checked the switch.. Working.. Looked over the wiring and everything looks to be in order.. I wouldn't even notice the thing wasn't working but I hit the switch and it worked then hit it again and it won't now.. Shifts in and outta gear no problem, but I think this ESA is too help shift this into gear not outta gear.. Not sure.. Sound like time to try a new unit? I don't really see away to troubleshoot it other than stick on a new one..

 

[HT32BSX115]

Re: ESA OMC Cobra

Shifts in and outta gear no problem, but I think this ESA is too help shift this into gear not outta gear.. Not sure..

Howdy,


The ESA is there to cause the engine to "stumble" by pulsing the ignition so-as to cause torque pulses at idle. These torque pulses allow you get it OUT of gear and into neutral.

If it's not working you'll have to place an inordinate amount of force on the lower shift cable to get it out of gear. When it's in tension it won't be as much of a problem as when the cable is in compression (pushing) but eventually it'll screw up the cable.

You need to either get your current ESA working or replace it if it's defective. Problems are usually due to switches, linkage/cable adjustment or micro-switch failure/adjustment.


You need to have a look at http://www.hastings.org/~stuart/cobra/ and get yourself an OEM OMC service manual.




Regards,


Rick

 

[Joshua Nichols]

Re: ESA OMC Cobra

If it's not working you'll have to place an inordinate amount of force on the lower shift cable to get it out of gear. When it's in tension it won't be as much of a problem as when the cable is in compression (pushing) but eventually it'll screw up the cable.

Good info


Service manual doesn't go into much detail about the ESA.. I also have been on that link and read it(just found his part on the ESA in his hint section).. Even have it saved on my computer..

I am pretty sure the module is out.. Dang it.....

 

[HT32BSX115]

Re: ESA OMC Cobra

I seem to remember buying one on Ebay.

They show up there from time to time.


Otherwise, you'll have to get one from a retailer like the following.... http://www.go2marine.com/product.do?no=90470F

Mine never failed. I bought one so I would have one if it did. I also seem to remember a procedure for testing it in the service manual......

 

[Joshua Nichols]

Re: ESA OMC Cobra

Saw one for $25 on ebay... May just go one and get it

 

[bruceb58]

Re: ESA OMC Cobra

You have the stock points ignition on your boat right?

Also, look at the overstroke switch, it that switch is depressed, your ESA won't function.

By the way, newer ESAs don't need the overstroke switch and work a lot better than the originals because they use a timer to determine the max length of the stumble.

 

[Joshua Nichols]

Re: ESA OMC Cobra

Yep still running the points..Checked both switches with a meter.. Both are working.. One is normally open and the other is a normally closed switch.. Maybe I fried the sucker holding it down too long the other day.. Anyhow got the used one coming.. Can't beat the price

 

[HT32BSX115]

Re: ESA OMC Cobra

Can't beat the price

So true, As long as it works!!

 

[Joshua Nichols]

Re: ESA OMC Cobra

Thanks Rick....Well this evening was pretty good.. Got the new (used) ESA installed.. Very clean part.. It even came with the bracket.. The newer timer version is N/A.. Can still buy the part I picked up new.. IDK.. $25 beat the snot out of $125 this time.. Hit the switch stumble stumble..

I also removed the drag fin from the cavitation plate.. I can't believe how long those things have been around( since I was a kid).. Folks like the previous owner like to drill holes and mount the silly things.. Made my boat feel like it was dragging a plow and is as sharp as a razor when out swimming..Made it steer weird.. Anyhow.. What to plug the dang holes up with? maybe some JB weld?

I might put the thing on ebay.. Maybe someone will want it and will recover some of this repair but likely not.. Since its dowl fins

Dying to see how it does without it