OMC Cobra Shift Issues-Grinding

[CatawbaRinker]

I recently bought a 1990 VIP Viscount 21' cuddy with a 5.8L OMC Cobra outdrive. The engine runs great however the first time i put it in the water it started up and i realized it was in forward gear. I could pull on the shift cable to get it into neutral but reverse was not even an option. I took it home and did some research. I followed the Stuart guide, completely replaced the shift cable (red), bought the tools and followed all recommended linkage. When i put the muffs back on it i found that i can now get it into forward and reverse but there is a loud grinding each way and some difficulties getting it to shift into gear each time. The grinding starts when I start moving into forward and reverse and sometimes it will fully kick into gear but when that happens the chance of it shifting back into neutral goes down. Even with the engine off and turning the prop by hand sometimes it takes a few turns to engage in gear and sometimes it just clicks.

I'm at a crossroads and not sure what to do. My next instinct is the dog clutch and gears. Would an end all just be to buy amother complete lower unit? I see them go for about $500 while the gear rebuilds go for about $120. I plan to have the boat 2-3 seasons.

Looking for advice and recommendations.

 

[Lou C]

1) first, are you shifting too slow, any dog clutch gearbox will grind if shifted too slowly.
​2) the grinding you hear is evidence of either shifting too slow, or a shift system adjustment that is not allowing full engagement of the clutch dogs
​3) if it is not full engagement, then you have to go over those adjustments again and make sure that the remote cable is also properly adjusted. If you adjust the transom shift cable but do not check the remote cable, you can get grinding if the remote cable is not right.
​4) when checking adjustments it really helps to have someone shift it while you (KEY OUT OF IGNITION) spin the prop. This way you can really feel when the clutch dogs are fully engaged.

​While the grinding could be worn clutch dogs, or fwd or reverse gears, go back and especially check the remote cable adjustment. Also make sure your shift control is allowing full cable travel.