OMC Cobra/5.7 '89 Hard shift to R only.

[rybad]

I have been through just about all of the posts regarding shifting and adjustments. I have a new cable on one engine that I just installed and followed the procedures.<br /><br />The problem is, both engines shift to reverse hard, especially when trying to maneuver. If I'm backing out of the slip, it goes in fine. It seems to be after being in FWD first, or while shifting back-n-forth to maneuver the boat only. Does this make sense to anyone.<br /><br />Also note that, I manually checked the ESA. The ESA on my STBD engine appears to work, and that side seems to have the hard shifting issue MORE than the PORT side, which the ESA does NOT appear to be functioning.<br /><br />I really want to fix the problem, but it's hard when it doesnt make sense.<br /><br />Any help, suggestions (I have read and followed the hasings stuff and I have several manuals).<br /><br />I did read a post about good points and dist. cap. Could this have anything to do with it.. I know the points/caps have not been done in at least 3 years.<br /><br />Engines run great, the timing is on, just the hard R shift issue..<br /><br />-Dave

 

[Boatin Bob]

Re: OMC Cobra/5.7 '89 Hard shift to R only.

Dave...when you say shift to reverse hard do you mean it's hard to shift or they go into gear hard with a clunk? What are your idle RPM's like, in gear tied to the dock...too high will cause hard clunking shift.

 

[rybad]

Re: OMC Cobra/5.7 '89 Hard shift to R only.

As you can imagine, it's difficult to explain. And as I mentioned, it's not "all the time"..anyway,<br /><br />For example: I'm docking the boat, I have 29' 11'beam, in a public marina with 30' slips on both sides of this canel, so I literally have to spin the boat in from of my slip to get in. In doing so, while constantly shifting F/B to maneuver, a little more than once in a while, I literally have to "lean" on the shifter with about 1/2 to 3/4 my weight (I'm 160lbs) to jam it into reverse. It doesnt cluck overly hard, it just doesnt want to go in. And, like I said, other time (especially when leaving the slip).. It will EASILY shift right into reverse without any effort. The only consistency I see, is that if while going back and forth. And, it seems to be only reverse.<br /><br />I will check my idle, and lower that to see if that helps, I believe I have her idle set around 600.<br /><br />(Thanks.)

 

[JustMrWill]

Re: OMC Cobra/5.7 '89 Hard shift to R only.

I was told by someone (maybe it was a posting here) that you should not go from forward to reverse or vice versa without pausing a second or two in neutral. Sounds like it can't get the into gear because the prop shaft is still moving in the opposite direction...???<br /><br />this is a guess at best...<br /><br />-JustMrWill