OMC cobra will not shift into reverse

[drunkenmonk]

This boat is going to bankrupt me im sure but im gonna try. So the next thing on the agenda is to find out why the shifter will only go into forward and not reverse i took the shift cable off the top of the engine and the shifter moves freely. ive heard that OMC had some issues with there lower unit and shifting any help would be greatly app.<br /><br />also ive only had outboards what should i do maintance wise to this engine befor i put it on the water (its been sitting for 2 1/2 years) its a 1986<br />OMC v6 4.3 carb

 

[notinbig]

Re: OMC cobra will not shift into reverse

There is a shift cable that goes from engine to lower unit, mine got reverse but no forward when it went. It came apart at the lower unit. Check it out.

 

[drunkenmonk]

Re: OMC cobra will not shift into reverse

How much was the part and was it labor intensive or could it be done in a driveway thanks for your help

 

[marinemech1]

Re: OMC cobra will not shift into reverse

its easy once you know how sorry, best bet is to buy a manual shouldn't need specials but it will take a while to do<br />our first one took 7 hours,we can now do it in 45 mins. cable cost around 220 here in canada should be less in u.s.

 

[Don S]

Re: OMC cobra will not shift into reverse

Well, I don't have any idea what they cost, but if it's bad, there is nothing you can do about it but replace it or forget boating (in that boat) because it will end up destroying the gears in the drive.<br />Heres some reading material for the Cobra ESA system you might find necessary at some point.<br /><br /> Cobra Info

 

[lakelivin]

Re: OMC cobra will not shift into reverse

Originally posted by marinemech1:<br /> its easy once you know how sorry, best bet is to buy a manual shouldn't need specials but it will take a while to do<br />our first one took 7 hours,we can now do it in 45 mins. cable cost around 220 here in canada should be less in u.s.

Suggest you make sure you get an OEM OMC service manual (approx $50) rather than one of the others. Also get OMC stern drive parts catalogue (approx $10) for your boat. Both available on eBay. A little more money than the aftermarket manuals, but well worth it.