OMC 3.0L Won't Shift into Neutral

[playyas4u]

I have a 1992 OMC 3.0L that is difficult to shift into neutral. I have to wiggle the throttle to get it to go into neutral. I was reading that it could be the ESA module. I wanted to get some thoughts on this. Where can I find the ESA module and test it out. Also where can I find a replacement and what is the relative cost of the ESA. This may be unrelated but when I shift into gear, it shifts hard. It grinds into gear as if you were shifting your car into gear with having the clutch all the way down. Could this be related? Any help is appreciated.

 

[88FW200Horizon]

Re: OMC 3.0L Won't Shift into Neutral

It could be engine RPM is too high. Could be remote shifter cable or transom mount cable is bad or misadjusted. Also check interupter microswitch on shift cable bracket on engine. This switch is supposed to "stutter" the idle RPM to reduce idel RPM during that moment when the shifter goes into or out of gear. Also read the entire piece by Stuart Hastings BEFORE you grind up your gears! See http://www.hastings.org/~stuart/cobra/

 

[Gary H NC]

Re: OMC 3.0L Won't Shift into Neutral

Look at the shift linkage on the engine where the red lower shift cable goes to the out drive. You should see the ESA switches.Its 2 small square little switches.With engine running push the switches in to see if the engine stumbles.
How long has it been since that lower cable was replaced?
Idle in gear in the water should be around 650 to 700 rpm
A little grinding going into gear is normal.Don't ease it into gear but use a firm quick shift motion..