OMC shift converter box?

[mthieme]

Re: OMC shift converter box?

My idle is set to about 600.
Occassionally when crabbing (idling for hours), she'll drop to 400.
I couldn't find the spec in the manual....some things are strewn throughout the book and can be hard to find.

 

[chiefalen]

Re: OMC shift converter box?

It don"t start to shake itself to death at 400-600.

Boat tachs can't trust them, like a bad women. (wink)

 

[mthieme]

Re: OMC shift converter box?

She doesn't shake a bit. Matter of fact when at 750-800, shifting starts to become hard - or maybe I should say rather she starts to bang into gear hard.
But below 500, I run the risk of the motor cutting out if she strains for any reason, say cutting the wheel all the way. I've had her down to 400 - no shaking...she wanted to cut out though (in gear).
600-650 is the sweet spot for mine, she's happy there.
But mine is a 4.3 with a Cobra if that makes any difference.

 

[drrm123]

Re: OMC shift converter box?

idle was checked by seperate tach bought otc 100 multimeter about a month ago just for this reason. tach on boat is off about 100-150 rpm higher. order a new prop about a month ago and was trying to make sure it was operating in the correct range. the boat would get only 3400rpm wot but found out i have a needle and seat that need(dumping gas out main venturis when running and off) to be replaced cleaned carb but did same thing a while later so have that on order now too. chief allen from what you described on how to shift it i thought about that before and always thought you were suppose to ease it in gear, so that's what i had been doing. there is just a slight grind mabye 1 or 2 clicks(or grinds if explaining right) when going into gear. first boat for me so still learning, always didnt want boat to excellerate away from me when putting in gear so that's why i pulled it into gear so easy. figured out the other day that carb does not start working till throttle control about half way forward or backwards when going to reverse, the first indent on shifter.

 

[chiefalen]

Re: OMC shift converter box?

Yes grass hopper you are a good student. And all i ask is you pass your knowledge that is so hard learned on to others.

Shift with authority but not with a heavy hand. When in gear slowly give it gas no reason to hole shot it, it's a ole girl that needs a light, but firm hand on the throttle.

You figured out the adjustments yet?

Are you getting water in the tilt clutch housing? You read my post on it correct?

 

[mthieme]

Re: OMC shift converter box?

figured out the other day that carb does not start working till throttle control about half way forward or backwards when going to reverse, the first indent on shifter.

Half way as in 45 degrees from high noon?

 

[drrm123]

Re: OMC shift converter box?

yes it's been a learning experience originally bought boat from auction for $300 outdrive was tied up with rope, didnt know what OMC was then. tilt clutch was bad. fixed that and got engine running may have been manifolds leaking had little water in oil would just keep changed, hit some river bed rocks with prop and damaged water pump shaft. found a donor boat for $100 with clean engine, i just need upper unit but kept engine and manifolds and eventually installed both. replaced all seals in upper unit and all fluids, didnt check tilt but used oil instead of grease to fill when i replaced all seals and gaskets. will check in about 2 more outings to see if water instrusion. Mthieme and the halfway point is about 45 degrees like you mentioned. will use boat for about another 1 or 2 years and will look for a bigger boat maybe something with twin engines. but volvo or merc this time. LOL

 

[mthieme]

Re: OMC shift converter box?

That seems like an awful lot of slop. I'd revisit the cable adjustments before tacking the original (posted) problem.

 

[drrm123]

Re: OMC shift converter box?

so are you saying when pushing the throttle control forward and to the first indent which is about 45degree angle from the 12 o clock position the throttle should be opening already? mind does not start to open till you hit the first indent on to about 9 o'clock position which it is fully open at also? if this is not right have any info on adjusting the throttle book i have just has adjusting midpoint for shifting in and out of gear.

 

[chiefalen]

Re: OMC shift converter box?

When you put the throttle all the way down forward does it open all the way?

If yes it's ok, if not then adjust it at the carb end, see a big plastick adjustment knob on the cable held to the manifold, adjust that.

Ok ?

 

[drrm123]

Re: OMC shift converter box?

throttle opens all the way so i guess it's ok.

 

[chiefalen]

Re: OMC shift converter box?

Good ! Whats next ?

 

[mthieme]

Re: OMC shift converter box?

I'm not sure about the stringer, but my cobra has 4 cables total.
The throttle is the last thing that gets adjusted. Matter if fact, the manual states to disconnect throttle at carb while adjusting shift cable(s).
The cables can be a bear to get right.
You mentioned a grinding - can you give more description - was this just a matter of moving the shifter too slowly?

 

[drrm123]

Re: OMC shift converter box?

Yes it was the way I was shifting I pullled it into gear last night and I didnt get grinding just light klunk as it goes into gear almost sound like motorcycle going into gear if that makes any since. Fixed carb leak last night as far as whats nex? I hope some fishing with my son this weekend. Thanks for the help again.

 

[mthieme]

Re: OMC shift converter box?

That sounds normal.
I goes in before the throttle engages? (probably long before!)
say 10-15 degrees from vertical?

 

[Howard Sterndrive]

Re: OMC shift converter box?

wasn't 1981 hydromechanical? I don't understand why a 1981 would have an ESA... must've been updated to full mech. at some point.
The arc of the cable through the exhaust housing can cause issues. Make sure no kinks or sharp bends in or out of the boat.

 

[chiefalen]

Re: OMC shift converter box?

80' up was fully mechanical shifting me thinks. And i think from other previous posts i've helped him with i seem to remember it was.

But my memory is getting worse.

Funny i can remember things from 20 years ago last night what i ate for dinner is cloudy.

 

[mthieme]

Re: OMC shift converter box?

But my memory is getting worse.
Funny i can remember things from 20 years ago last night what i ate for dinner is cloudy.

I know the feeling.
Visit senior moment thread.

 

[drrm123]

Re: OMC shift converter box?

Mine is hydromechanical, also there are no sharp bends in cable it shifts fine and smooth, i just was not pulling into gear firm enough.