omc shifting problem.

[omccobra]

So I am new and would like to say thanks to the many fixes i have found here with other problems. This is a great forum. I have a 1994 omc cobra I/O. Just recently I pulled the drive to service the bellows, u-joints and gimbal bearing. Everything went well with the help of you guys here and the oem manual. Got it all put back together and took it to the lake, It now will go into reverse but would not go into forward, I took it home and did some research and thinking. and adjusted the linkage and now it will shift into reverse no problem and it will shift into forward but it doesn't feel right, it goes into gear but is hard and doesn't seem to "click" into forward gear. I am stumped and dont know if it is something I did while putting the drive back on or just a coincidence that my shift cable is bad. or if it would be the throttle control piece. thank you in advance.

 

[Ducatinut]

Re: omc shifting problem.

Check this site out for information on the Cobra drives and how to adjust the shift:

http://www.hastings.org/~stuart/cobra/

A stiff lower shift cable could cause the problems you are seeing, particularly if the boat shifted properly prior to doing the service (and you didn't mess with the shift arm).

You might also be having issues with the ESA (Electronic Shift Assist). It's prone to failure over time and can be intermittent in its operation. An easy way to test it is to start the engine in the water or on the muffs and actuate the switches on the shift plate. If the engine doesn't stumble, it could be on the fritz. The options are to replace the failing unit or rewire the place to behave like a Mercruiser.

Also, if the engine idle is set too high, you'll also have problems when shifting.

Good luck!

Fair Winds,

Chris

 

[omccobra]

Re: omc shifting problem.

Thank you, I do not believe i have electronic shift assist, where would the shift plate be to look and see? I know i have a cable that goes from the throttle lever to the back of the boat, to a big hose/tube looking thing and then I assume it goes out the transom to the drive unit. Also this is a 94 omc efi so it is the volvo sx style of drive, don't know if it would be different.

 

[zbnutcase]

Re: omc shifting problem.

If you have the SX drive (hope so for your sake!) then you only have one shift cable that runs from control directly to the drive and is probably bad/stiff and needs replaced.

 

[omccobra]

Re: omc shifting problem.

Nice, Thank you, any ideas on where to find this cable, and what to look for when buying one?

 

[omccobra]

Re: omc shifting problem.

so I pulled apart the controller and undid the cable and the control moves great, cable was a bit stiff. enough for me to order the cable and try it. will post back.

 

[omccobra]

Re: omc shifting problem.

got the cable, put it in within about 10 minutes and everything is working good.

 

[rickster_a1]

Re: omc shifting problem.

What book did you use to guide you through the process? I have to replace mine and need the cable as well.

 

[omccobra]

Re: omc shifting problem.

Make sure you know what model you have and look for the oem service manuals, I got a set off ebay for like 50.00 one of the best purchases made. walks you through just about anything on the motor, drive, fuel system, ect. If you need help pm me and i'll talk ya through it if i can. note, my boat is a 94 omc cobra, same as the volvo sx drive.