New shift cable adjustment questions

[ruggles]

Ok so I have done the install as per the manual on midnight wolf. I see some steps I missed last time. Now what do I do? The shift adjustment part one and two? Any tips? Should I remove the throttle cable of the carb

 

[Idlespeedonly]

I would start over from the beginning.
The only reason I see to disconnect the throttle is so you dont flood the engine.

 

[ruggles]

Ok im on page 11-17 on midnight wolfs adjustment pt.1 it says to adjust the remote cable trunnion to align the center of the upper fixed cam with the switch button. In the pic there are two switches side.by side. The one im supposed to center the cam with isnt there but the bolt holes are. Should I just try to center the cam inbetween those bolts holes?

 

[bruceb58]

You should only have one switch. The overstroke switch was no longer used when they came out with the ESA with a timer in it. His instructions are old. You need newer ones. That is why you need the manual for your model.

EDIT: Your model may or may not have it. What is your model number? Back when I had my Cobra, I replaced the ESA with the newer ESA. I left the switch there even though it wasn't used anymore. Someone could have replaced yours and taken it off.

 

[Lou C]

Well first of all if your shift rod is off by that much its never going to be right. 1/8" is a lot. I have the 3 OMC tools, I got them from Crowley Marine. You can do without the shift rod tool but you have to measure carefully.
I start with the drive off, and the cable disconnected on both ends for the transom cable. I also disconnect the other 2 cables (remote cable at the engine bellcrank and throttle cable at the carb lever) as well. Then I install the bellcrank tool on the pivot housing. This will hold the bellcrank exactly at 90*. Then go up on the engine side and set the correct length for the cable and also for the trunnion on the shift cable. Then re-connect the cable retainer on the shift guide and tighten the bolt. Next you have to adjust the remote cable after reconnecting the cable end at the engine bellcrank. Then re-connect the throttle cable. You disconnect that so it does not exert pressure against the engine bellcrank which could throw the adjustment off.

 

[ruggles]

Thanks guys I followed all of the instructions and I have shifting both ways on muffs. I'll water test it in the ocean. I've had the leg off and on 6 times this week. It's getting pretty easy lol. I'm going to buy the tools for next time. I learned a lot once I stopped trying to rush it and just read and read again until I got the lingo down to where I was comfortable doing the adjustments

 

[Idlespeedonly]

Good luck with it.
I think you were missing the barrel nut step.
They shift good when everything is right,
Sometimes it just takes a long time to get there.

 

[ruggles]

Im happy to report a successful sea trial!!! Woo hoo!!!! I did it with my own homemade tools baby!! I'm still going to buy the tools to have for next time. Also my vibration went away with the new joints so thats an added bonus. Bring on the summer baby!

 

[bruceb58]

Did you do an alignment of the engine/gimbal bearing?

 

[ruggles]

nope didn't have that tool either but the leg litterally slides in and out with no force

 

[bruceb58]

nope didn't have that tool either but the leg litterally slides in and out with no force

Doesn't matter. You can be way out of adjustment and the leg will still slide on and off easy. Doesn't take much being out of adjustment to wear out your coupler and cause increased vibrations.

 

[ruggles]

Thanks Bruse that's good to know. My vibrations have done way down since I did the work. I'm going to buy an alignment tool as well and I plan on taking the leg off after the summer and every year after for maintenance and to check everything. I don't think the PO had the leg off since 2011! The splines on the shaft looked good. I am only using the boat on my lake over a 2 week span and then it'll sit most of the year after that.