OMC Cobra stalling when shifting into reverse.

[HT32BSX115]

Re: OMC Cobra stalling when shifting into reverse.

I know for sure that the microswitch is being pressed the entire time the boat is in reverse

Since you know this, you need to know if the shift actuator is displaced (from center) once you're in either gear (especially REV) .......

SO have someone shift the thing into REV and you observe what it does.

If it IS displaced once you're in fully IN gear, one of the cables is STILL not adjusted correctly.

The shift actuator should ONLY move when you move the shifter. and if it moves when going into gear, it not only shouldn't move much, but it should center immediately when your in either FWD or REV. My 87 King Kobra NEVER activated the ESA going into either gear. NOT ONCE.

 

[mikebux]

Re: OMC Cobra stalling when shifting into reverse.

I believe some one has removed over-strock parts from your shifter plate. It designed to kill the ESA switch going in to reverse. You are reinventing the "wheel".

 

[bruceb58]

Re: OMC Cobra stalling when shifting into reverse.

It says it operates going out of, or in to, gear.

What section? My factory manual does not mention that at all. In fact, the only troubleshooting section is for getting out of gear.

 

[Ck111484]

Re: OMC Cobra stalling when shifting into reverse.

I believe some one has removed over-strock parts from your shifter plate. It designed to kill the ESA switch going in to reverse. You are reinventing the "wheel".

My boat is a '93; I was under the impression that OMC eliminated the overstroke switch prior to this, correct?

 

[bruceb58]

Re: OMC Cobra stalling when shifting into reverse.

My boat is a '93; I was under the impression that OMC eliminated the overstroke switch prior to this, correct?

They did when they put in the updated ESA with the timer.

 

[Ck111484]

Re: OMC Cobra stalling when shifting into reverse.

Just to make sure I did it right, does anyone have a wiring diagram of how the CDI ESA module should be wired? Ie., where the resistor they mention in the instructions is supposed to be?
I placed it between where the ESA plugs in to the engine harness; between the power wire on the engine harness and the power wire going to the ESA module. Is that correct?

It seems very odd that the module would go bad so quickly unless I wired it incorrectly.

 

[Ck111484]

Re: OMC Cobra stalling when shifting into reverse.

They did when they put in the updated ESA with the timer.

That's what I though, although it seems like in my case an overstoke switch would solve my problem by disabling the interrupter switch while the boat is in gear.

 

[chconger]

Re: OMC Cobra stalling when shifting into reverse.

Hi

I am just browsing this forum because; I have the exact same problem! I have a 1990 5.0L (Ford) Cobra and my interrupter is actuated in reverse all the time. It kills the engine.

My next step is to check the upper cable as "Admiral" has suggested in his post on June 29th, 2012, 04:14 PM.

I suspect the upper cable continues to apply pressure on the actuator after its already in gear. I believe the slot adjustment on arm needs backing off.

Ill let you know if this fixes it.

Cheers
Chris

 

[HT32BSX115]

Re: OMC Cobra stalling when shifting into reverse.

I suspect the upper cable continues to apply pressure on the actuator after its already in gear. I believe the slot adjustment on arm needs backing off.

By George, I think he's GOT IT!

 

[Ck111484]

Re: OMC Cobra stalling when shifting into reverse.

Update: I think I may have figured it out!

I messed with the trunion on the lower shift cable and was able to get forward, neutral and reverse not to trip the interrupter switch while out of the water; but doing so changed the 7 9/16" measurement on the cable.

Once in the water, forward gear would not engage until once you were ~1/3 into the throttle, which is obviously no good; so I adjusted the trunion back to where it was and made sure the cable was back to its 7 9/16" measurement, and voila, no more stalling while shifting! In and out of forward and reverse no longer trips the interrupter switch, and all is well (though I haven't tried to figure out why the ESA isn't functioning yet, I'm still wired Merc-style).

HOWEVER: when I was adjusting the cable I noticed that the nut on the end of the shift cable housing had somehow moved up to the trunion, rather than being at the end of the cable housing like it should be. I suspect that may have been causing quite a bit of tension in the cable while in reverse, as it prevented the cable from sliding, and thus causing the interrupter switch to be depressed. So I'm thinking the fix may have been simply to move the nut back to the cable housing, and that the shift cable was properly adjusted all along.
Only time will tell if the boat continues to shift properly... but for now, I'm happy...

 

[chconger]

Re: OMC Cobra stalling when shifting into reverse.

Looks like my issue is fixed too.

I backed off the upper cable to sit higher in the slot as recommended. Full reverse (and forward) now with "fingertip" pressure.

Thanks for the great advice!!

Chris

 

[laser411]

Re: OMC Cobra stalling when shifting into reverse.

Sorry if this is slightly thread necromancy. however, I THINK I have the same problem, The engine in the 89 3.0 OMC cobradrive 17' sunbird is idling rough while idle all of a sudden while out on the boat, tried reverse and the engine would shudder and eventually stall (cant use reverse at all basically). How did you test the ESA and where exactly did you wire the switch to disable it to? I'm completely new to this boat but I think im having the same problem. Any pictures or anything?

 

[Boats-A-lots]

Re: OMC Cobra stalling when shifting into reverse.

Seems a lot of us are in the same "boat" when it comes to this.. I just unplugged the housing that goes to the ESA, and wired the blue to the - side of the coil. I haven't water tested it yet, (Oct 6th, going crabbing) but on the muffs it works. I know there is force when there its in the water on the prop.. so I maybe adjusting it some.

I think the ESA was a bad design for a bad set up, so I can't just buy another one.. if there is a better fix like this thread and others) I have to go with it. AS LONG AS I DON"T HEAR IT GRINDING into gear.. I don't want to replace those lower gears.

 

[Don S]

Re: OMC Cobra stalling when shifting into reverse.

I haven't water tested it yet, (Oct 6th, going crabbing) but on the muffs it works.

Of course it works on muffs. The shift interrupt system is not needed for going into gear EVER. It's also only used for coming out of gear when there is a load on the prop, like sitting in water.

Without the shift interrupt system, you are not going to come out of gear easily, if at all, without damaging something. Why do you think the system was installed to begin with.

Just so you know what the system is for, read this thread. http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?p=1930449#post1930449
It may be for a Mercruiser, but the OMC system does the same basic thing, it makes the engine miss in order to relieve the pressure on the reverse cut gears.

So bypass away if you want, or put in a new shift cable, adjust it like it should be, and it will work perfectly. If the ESA module is defective or a switch is bad, then fix it.

 

[Boats-A-lots]

Re: OMC Cobra stalling when shifting into reverse.

Thanks Don.. Yes I know it doesn't stumble the motor going into gear, but mine wasn't stumbling coming out of gear. My shift rod was froze up and because of that I broke a brand new cable that a shop replaced for me. They didn't check the shift rod at all.. so when I tried to use it.. it broke the cable.

So I joined this site, and replaced my own cable. That's when I found my shift rod was froze.. also found bearing housing was badly corroded. After putting it all back together (even with out the special tools for the bell crank and cable holder) It shifts like it's not an OMC.. two fingers and it's going into gear. I tested the ESA with an Ohm meter as per some one directions, and it's dead. Took it off, cleaned up all grounds, and contacts and still nothing.

Did a lot of research on this site, and the web, and even called a couple of shops, and most said, and read, just bypass the module and you wont have anymore problems. I wont know if that's a fact until I get it in the water next month. I have posted on other threads on this site of people who did the same thing.. and they say it works wonderful. If you bypass the other switch.. (can't recall what it name) you just have to shift faster then norm to keep the motor from dying.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: OMC Cobra stalling when shifting into reverse.

If you bypass the other switch.. (can't recall what it name) you just have to shift faster then norm to keep the motor from dying.

If you bypass that other switch(overstroke switch) you are going to be dead in the water if/when your cable ages and starts hanging up slightly. You could be in a dangerous situation when that happens, for example, coming in to fast into a dock and engine dies before you can get it into reverse.

I still think you should just get the ESA working but that's just me.

 

[Boats-A-lots]

Re: OMC Cobra stalling when shifting into reverse.

If you bypass that other switch(overstroke switch) you are going to be dead in the water if/when your cable ages and starts hanging up slightly. You could be in a dangerous situation when that happens, for example, coming in to fast into a dock and engine dies before you can get it into reverse.

I still think you should just get the ESA working but that's just me.

This actually happened to me Bruce when the cable broke.. I was coming in and could not get it out of gear.. So I hit the dock rather hard. OUCH..

Mine is a 1989, and I understand there are 2 possibilities of ESA.. one is like what I have or may have.. the other is a timer. I'm not even sure the system would be compatible. I have read many threads where some one had replaced the ESA, and nothing was working as it should. If I knew FOR SURE all I had to do was replace the ESA and all would be right with the world, I would. After all it ran fine for 10 yrs and no problems at all.

 

[Don S]

Re: OMC Cobra stalling when shifting into reverse.

Mine is a 1989, and I understand there are 2 possibilities of ESA.. one is like what I have or may have.. the other is a timer.

Timer???? No such thing.

You should start a thread of your own with your engine and drive information and problem.

 

[Boats-A-lots]

Re: OMC Cobra stalling when shifting into reverse.

Don, I don't really have a problem.. (yet, or that I know of) until I hit the water with it. I was just stating that there is a lot of threads and other web action about the ESA module. I was just replying to yours and Bruce replies.

 

[Don S]

Re: OMC Cobra stalling when shifting into reverse.

Don, I don't really have a problem.. (yet, or that I know of) until I hit the water with it. I was just stating that there is a lot of threads and other web action about the ESA module. I was just replying to yours and Bruce replies.

Well, you do have a problem, and yes you just don't know it yet. Only because you haven't put it in the water yet. Do it, put it in the water for a trial run before you need it and have no time. Then you will be able post your problem.