Re: OMC 4.3L I/O Trouble getting in gear
Maybe an adjustment, but I'd guess (and I emphasise 'guess', 'cause I'm pretty much of a beginner myself) it's a bad shift cable or something else in the shift system. Like marunr says, read through Stuart's online site regarding Cobra shift issues. You might start trying the five point adjustment on Stuart's site That is pretty easy and doesn't require removing the outdrive, but it assumes that the transom shift cable (and everything in the outdrive) is in good shape and adjusted correctly. If yours won't go into reverse at all, I suspect you've got bigger problems than the five point adjustment will fix, but might be worth a try since it's pretty easy. <br /><br />Like Phil said, if you take it to a mechanic, make sure they have Cobra experience! And don't just take their word for it. Alot of shops don't yet some will still say they do, and if you take it to one like that, you stand a chance of them not only not permanently correcting the problem, but possibly making things worse in the long run. <br /><br />Ask a couple of questions that would show they know what they're talking about. OMC certification would be nice, but if not, learn a little about the Cobra from Stuart's site and ask some questions that would reveal what they know about Cobras. Like maybe ask them what the difference is w.r.t. how you change the outdrive oil between a Merc and Cobra. (might want to ask them as if you're curious, not like you're grilling them). See if they've changed Cobra transom shift cables and ask them what it involves. <br /><br />If you're gonna have this boat for awhile suggest you get an OMC OEM Service Manual and OMC Parts Catalogue (can usually find them on eBay) rather than a Clymers or Seloc manual. A bit more expensive, but worth it.<br /><br />b.t.w., you shouldn't have to worry about having one of the old shift cables, OMC found the problem and started using the new ones in '88 I believe. But yours still might be worn out and need replacement.<br /><br />Good luck!
