OMC Cobra hard to get in neutral

[Andy Spidal]

1993 seaswirl new long block. Ford 302 model 502APRJVB, serial number TO 1250965. I have been using it for several seasons once or twice a year so not a lot of hours on new engine. It shifts into gear fine but to get it in neutral I pull throttle back all the way pause then pull back several more times and hopefully it hits neutral. There is only 1 switch on the shift bracket and it has continuity at the plug when closed. When engine is running and switch is activated no stuttering of engine. ESA module engine side of plug all pins show ground. I can’t find a replacement ESA module to shotgun it as a possibility. All post I read talked about testing switch and nothing else. Any thoughts? Do any of the pins connect to power? I have a ESA from a V6 but I assume it is different? I can operate the boat but it makes me nervous if my kids drive I would like to fix it.

 

[alldodge]

Hey @kenny nunez have any ideas?

 

[Lou C]

You should make sure the switch actually works before replacing the module. If you do need a new module the later models (like yours) did away with the 2nd switch (overstroke switch) which keeps the ESA from engaging when you’re in gear. If you need new module & can’t get it from OMC/BRP then call CDI electronics & ask which one you need. They make aftermarket modules, I had to replace mine in 2015 & got it from them & it works perfect. Make sure your idle is as low as you can get it (no more than 600 rpm). Another issue that can cause trouble is the adjustment of the throttle cable, if it is not tight enough it will allow the idle to drift up to 700-750 which will cause stiff shifting so check that your engine reliably returns to idle.
When the ESA is triggered it should lower it to about 450 rpm.

https://www.cdielectronics.com/?s=ESA&site_section=site-search

you can call them and ask if a V6 module will work, if not, these are the ones they make, match your OEM part number to find the one you might need if yours is bad. But test the switch first. Mine were sticking on so I replaced them at the same time I replaced the module.

 

[Andy Spidal]

You should make sure the switch actually works before replacing the module. If you do need a new module the later models (like yours) did away with the 2nd switch (overstroke switch) which keeps the ESA from engaging when you’re in gear. If you need new module & can’t get it from OMC/BRP then call CDI electronics & ask which one you need. They make aftermarket modules, I had to replace mine in 2015 & got it from them & it works perfect. Make sure your idle is as low as you can get it (no more than 600 rpm). Another issue that can cause trouble is the adjustment of the throttle cable, if it is not tight enough it will allow the idle to drift up to 700-750 which will cause stiff shifting so check that your engine reliably returns to idle.
When the ESA is triggered it should lower it to about 450 rpm.

https://www.cdielectronics.com/?s=ESA&site_section=site-search

you can call them and ask if a V6 module will work, if not, these are the ones they make, match your OEM part number to find the one you might need if yours is bad. But test the switch first. Mine were sticking on so I replaced them at the same time I replaced the module.

I have a 1993 seaswirl with a Ford 302 engine model 502APRJVB serial number TO1250965. ESA 987564, VA Ford.

There is only 1 interrupt switch it has continuity. With the boat running in the driveway activating the switch I can’t hear the engine changing at all. The interrupt wires one side has continuity to the ESA plug pin black and blue (the row of pins with 3 wires the 2 outside wires). The other wire from the interrupt switch has no continuity to any pins going to the ESA. The schematic I have shows that the second pin on the interrupt plug should go to a pin on the ESA? Getting to the wire to test is difficult can I cut the wire at the plug and run a new one to the ESA? Boat has 450 hours on it so I don’t think the ESA is bad but. Can you tell me a way test wiring? Tac shows just under 1000 rpm, I know it is recommended to be around 600 rpm but boat will not stay running.