OMC shift adjustment

[SteveDavis]

Ok, ok. I just got done working on the outdrive. I pulled it to fix some leaks. I thought Should work on the shift while at it. I have an OMC Cobra 4.3L from 86. When reading the Hastings info, I read that the nuetral shift cable adjustment should be 7 5/8" and not 6.5", like my owners manual says. So I set it at 7 5/8, and tested on land. Well, when I did this, I found that the overstrock switch was not being hit when shifted in Fwd. So, I adjusted the cable on the top and that solved that. I then moved the reverse stud up so it hits the overstrock. All in all it seems to shift easier than before. Unfortunatly now when I put it into reverse, but it does not ingage. And when in the N position it goes into F unless wiggled around. I have been reading up on this but am a little confused. Please let me know if you can help, as I have a big fishing trip in a little over a week.

Thanks,
Steve

 

[MRS]

Re: OMC shift adjustment

This is where I am at is the 7 5/8 at the center of the mount points like the manual says? I hope somebody that knows replys to you because I am also big time confused.

 

[danond]

Re: OMC shift adjustment

7 and 5/8 is correct when following Stuart Hasting's information. When you re-install the cable, your shifter needs to be in Neutral, and the measurement needs to stay the same once the cable is installed. Move the trunion up or down the shift cable until it slides in and maintains the 7 & 5/8" measurement. Then you should be fine.

I am assuming while doing this you have someone outside the boat, drive off, holding a straight-edge across the opening in the pivot housing where the shift guide comes out, with the shift cable guide pressed up against the straight edge.

Follow the OMC service manual for the remainder of the shift and throttle adjustments.

 

[SteveDavis]

Re: OMC shift adjustment

Yesterday, it was just me. I don't know if I can get another hand for a while. All that means is I am going to have to go back and forth a lot. Right? I get off work at 2pm and will give it a go. BTW, my shift lever looks different from the one in the OEM service manual, but it also looks like it came with the boat as it is the same color as the engine. Is this a problem?

Steve

 

[MRS]

Re: OMC shift adjustment

danond, the straight edge is that for keeping it at 90 deg. ? Plus once I change from 6-1/2 to 7-5/8 should everything else stay the same.

 

[SteveDavis]

Re: OMC shift adjustment

danond, the straight edge is that for keeping it at 90 deg. ? Plus once I change from 6-1/2 to 7-5/8 should everything else stay the same.

I don't see how it could stay the same, as that linkage is changing so should the rest. Danond does say to follow the OEM stuff after setting it at 7 5/8". I am about to go give it a try. I will let you know how it goes. Although, I had previously monkeyed with the other linkages.

See ya,
Steve

Oh yeah, the straight edge is not for keeping it at a 90d angle, but to get it to a 90d. Once there it wont move, unless bumped or you monkey with the shift cable.

 

[danond]

Re: OMC shift adjustment

Yep - jump in and out and check/re-check the straight-edge. Works fine, just hard on the knees.

 

[danond]

Re: OMC shift adjustment

The only reason there's a difference between the later manual (7&9/16") and Stuart's early service manual straight-edge measurement (7&5/8") is the newer factory-tool retaining plate holds the shift cable guide in a slightly different spot, not quite with the tab flush with the pivot housing surface.

After you do it Stuart's way, the rest of the cables are adjusted the same way (none of those adjustments are measurement-based).

 

[SteveDavis]

Re: OMC shift adjustment

Well, I am up and running after three runs to the lake today! I can say it seems to shift better now than ever. Although I can't honestly say I am at 7 5/8. I had to do some monkeying with the lower shift cable, the truition, and the upper shift cable. All seems to be in great harmony now. No grinding sounds and it slips into and out of gear nicely.

Thanks for all of the help Danond! This winter, I think I am tackling the transom replacement. We will see.

Steve

 

[MRS]

Re: OMC shift adjustment

Steve, glad to hear it work out for you I need to fix one problem with my pivot housing and hopefully will be up and running soon. danond Thank you for all your info. plus your web site is great.

 

[skeat]

Re: OMC shift adjustment

Steve,

It sounds like you got it but one just a thought, even with all the adjustments correct if there is too much drag or resistance in the shift cable itself the whole assembly will not work correctly.

Shawn