OMC sterndrive not shifting into reverse very well

[F14CRAZY]

So, I've got my deck and stringer project done and took my Capri to the river to test it out.

It seems that just like last season, it doesn't shift into reverse very well. Forward is fine. It just clicks loudly. It shifts okay though when it's warm. Any suggestions?

 

[bruceb58]

Re: OMC sterndrive not shifting into reverse very well

More than likely your lower shift cable is bad. It is possible that it is just out of adjustment but if it is that far out, the cable is usually bad.

 

[WizeOne]

Re: OMC sterndrive not shifting into reverse very well

is your drive a cobra or a stringer. somewhere in mid 85 is when they switched over.

 

[F14CRAZY]

Re: OMC sterndrive not shifting into reverse very well

How do you go about adjusting it? The Clymer manual SUCKS

It's the old style "Series 400" sterndrive, not the Cobra

 

[a70eliminator]

Re: OMC sterndrive not shifting into reverse very well

Ditto everything already mentioned and if thats all good try some synthetic lube, if is a cobra drive the High performance Merc lube (the green stuff) I think the name has changed this year and I'm not sure what it's called now but it's done wonders for the cold shifting in my cobra. It was recommended by Don that expert guy here who's advise comes highly reguarded, maybe someone can tell us the exact name for that green Merc synthetic stuff.

 

[Gary H NC]

Re: OMC sterndrive not shifting into reverse very well

Merc high performance gear lube.....i think thats what they are still calling the good green stuff....

 

[F14CRAZY]

Re: OMC sterndrive not shifting into reverse very well

I'll try some Mobil 1 gear lube that I have and see how that goes. Could it be the dog clutch or whatever going bad?

 

[F14CRAZY]

Re: OMC sterndrive not shifting into reverse very well

Mobil 1 didn't seem to help so I guess I've got to find the cable. Anyone have the part number handy?

 

[gjcombs]

Re: OMC sterndrive not shifting into reverse very well

I had a similar problem and ended up putting new upper and lower seals in. I have a 1981 Hydro mechanical shift that has a servo. I had best results after I changed the fluid.

The shift housing needs to hold 3-5psi for 5 min which may help in shift response.

Search for GLM and sterndrive for a PDF catalog.