OMC Stern Drive Neutral Problem

[brianjw4]

I've got an '86 Reinell 192 with the OMC stern drive and I'm having a problem shifting between forward to neutral and reverse to neutral. So when I try to bring it to neatral from either forward or reverse it can be very difficult to get back in to neutral. <br /><br />Shifting between drive and neutral when running out of the water or with the motor off is easy and doesn't get stuck. <br /><br />Any help is appreciated, thanks.

 

[DHPMARINE]

Re: OMC Stern Drive Neutral Problem

Sounds like a Cobra drive with a fast idle speed.Try cutting the idle below 700 RPM and see how it works.<br /><br />DHP

 

[KaGee]

Re: OMC Stern Drive Neutral Problem

Do you have a COBRA or STRINGER drive??<br />They made both in '86.<br /><br />DHP is right about the idle. Your problem is also classic for an ESA module not functioning properly as well.

 

[brianjw4]

Re: OMC Stern Drive Neutral Problem

That's a good question, I'm not sure whether it's a cobra or stringer version. Is there an easy way to tell? <br /><br />Also, what is an ESA? Is that the component that the shift linkage connects to above the motor?<br /><br />Thanks,<br />Brian

 

[KaGee]

Re: OMC Stern Drive Neutral Problem

Real easy to tell.<br />A COBRA drive is trimmed using two hydralic rams.<br />The Stringer has a big quadrant gear on the side that raises and lowers it.<br /><br />The ESA...is the Electronic Shift Assist module.

 

[brianjw4]

Re: OMC Stern Drive Neutral Problem

Ah, ok. I've got the stringer version then. So if the idle adjustment doesn't work, where can I get a new ESA module?<br /><br />Thanks a bunch for the help!

 

[KaGee]

Re: OMC Stern Drive Neutral Problem

OK...<br />First and formost is getting the idle set properly. The neutral idle needs to be around 650 RPM. If your motor won't idle that low, fix that problem first. Too many times a poor idle is compensated for by turning the idle adjust screw to increase RPM. An idle over 650-700 will cause your inability to come out of gear as well as chew up your ball gears.<br /><br />If the idle is set properly, here is where it gets tricky. You really need a manual as the troubleshooting procedure for the ESA circuit is detailed and too long to list here. You also need to check the shift cable adjustment on the shift adapter box.<br /><br />Go to Ebay and find yourself a manual ASAP. An original OMC manual would be best. A manual from '84, '85 or '86 for the Stringer series will do. There was little change in those years.

 

[brianjw4]

Re: OMC Stern Drive Neutral Problem

I've got the clymer manual for this and now that I know what to look for I found the ESA test portion. The idle could easily be too high, but I'll have to fire it up to see exactly where it's at.<br /><br />I'm also going to try moving the cam on the switch to see if the motor misses as it should. <br /><br />Thanks again for the help.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: OMC Stern Drive Neutral Problem

IMO that Clymer is just enough to get you in trouble. get the OMC.