OMC Cobra Shift Shaft Adjustment

[TwoBallScrewBall]

Can this be done without separating the outdrive halves? Of course I found the spec in the manual after I had the drive on the boat. I did the "count the turns" trick but it's not right. It is centered more toward forward instead of Neutral and is affecting the operation of my ESA coming out of forward. <br /><br />I can't remember if you can spin the head of the shift shaft 360 degrees with the upper case half on. <br /><br />Thanks.

 

[DHPMARINE]

Re: OMC Cobra Shift Shaft Adjustment

Steve, Sorry but shift shaft will not turn 360 without separating the upper from the lower.There is a tool to preset this shaft,and all other adjustments are made on the cables.If you have a stiff cable it will sure make those esa switches act up.<br />DHP

 

[seahorse5]

Re: OMC Cobra Shift Shaft Adjustment

On the later Cobras, I think about '92 on up, the shift shaft was left-hand threaded into the "chicken lips" and by loosening the locknut, the turning of the shift shaft moved the adjustment up and down.

 

[TwoBallScrewBall]

Re: OMC Cobra Shift Shaft Adjustment

It's an 88. However, I took it out fishing today and it's shifting perfectly, no effort at all, and the ESA is kicking in every time. Not sure why, but I'm not going to complain about it. If it acts up again I'll look at it, otherwise it'll be project #1 for late November. <br /><br />I checked the cable while I had the drive off and it moves effortlessly when disconnected from everything, so I'm sure it's OK. It's also the red one too, so someone updated it along the line. <br /><br />Also, if I do take it apart I'll see about picking up a later model shift shaft and "chicken lips". Thanks for the info!