OMC Sterndrive Shift Rod

[MexicoMike]

Hello all, I'm new here so please bear with me. I have searched the forum for a related topic to no results. As seems to be the norm with my particular outdrive I am experiencing shift problems. I have read and performed all the adjustments for the TBSC and related mechanisms according to Stuart Hastings web-page. However, I would really like to be able to check and or adjust my shift rod height. The pictures Stuart posted from the manual are not clear enough for me to determine from which points to measure. I know I should get a factory manual which I will do once I get back to the States.
Could anyone please give me some insight on this procedure?
Thanks in advance for any help or suggestions. Mike

1988 5.7 liter OMC cobra stern drive

 

[a70eliminator]

Re: OMC Sterndrive Shift Rod

A height of 7-13/64 you measure right off the flat machined surface of the lower unit, where it bolts to the upper.

Upper and lower have to be separated to perform the adjustment.
http://forums.iboats.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=23072&d=1234736634

 

[MexicoMike]

Re: OMC Sterndrive Shift Rod

Thanks for the reply, But from the the lower case to where? the middle, bottom or top of the "chiken lips"? Thanks, again, Mike

 

[a70eliminator]

Re: OMC Sterndrive Shift Rod

You measure off the very top surface of the actuator. I tried to indicate with the red line in this photo.

 

[MexicoMike]

Re: OMC Sterndrive Shift Rod

Thank you for the reply. I'll check it tommorrow if stops raining. Thanks again, Mike

 

[Lou C]

Re: OMC Sterndrive Shift Rod

here is pic from my OMC manual, they show a special tool but I bet you could measure it accurately enough with a straightedge:

 

[MexicoMike]

Re: OMC Sterndrive Shift Rod

Thanks Lou, but the pic you sent is so small I can't see chit. I think I have an idea. Ima bout to make me a tool outta cardboard an see if I can get it right. I removed the outdrive a couple of months ago to change the gimbal bearing and boot. I think I did my hastings adjusment wrong (measured my
7 5/8" from brass nut instead of behind it) and it hasn't shifted right since. I removed it again to recheck everything. I'm headed to the marina in a few to see if I can't get her going. It shifts into reverse like a dream but forward is iffy at best. Mike

 

[a70eliminator]

Re: OMC Sterndrive Shift Rod

The specified shift rod height is ground zero, if it's not exact none of the other cable measurements will be viable.

 

[Lou C]

Re: OMC Sterndrive Shift Rod

try it again, I replaced the pix with a re-scanned one!
Basically you are measureing from the flat area on the lower unit that the water tube housing is bolted on, to the top of the flat surface of the shift rod.

 

[MexicoMike]

Re: OMC Sterndrive Shift Rod

Thanks guys, I seriously doubt that the measurement is off as the dang was shifting fine before I did the gimbal bearing and boot replacement. ( by the way, did you know that you don't need a puller to remove the gimbal bearing ? just an f-250 p.u a short steel rod and 1/4 " chain ! )

 

[MexicoMike]

Re: OMC Sterndrive Shift Rod

OK Gentlemen, I just got back from the marina the shift rod was about a
32nd to high. Hopefuly that explains the iffy forward shift. I don?t know if hitting an undewater object could change the setting, but I also recall tagging a stump that aggrevated the problem. I?ll let ya?ll know when I get her back together.

 

[MexicoMike]

Re: OMC Sterndrive Shift Rod

Got her put reassembled, shifts wonderfully, now if I could just get the carb right I might be able to go fishin