Reverse question

[ddnewb]

I just recently purchased a boat which you guys greatly relieved me of concerns. I finally put it in the water - it floats. Out of the water I saw no issues with the system, but under load I'm having a problem where the boat immediately stalls in reverse. Forward is fine. My boat has a 1988 OMC V6 4.3L. I bought the service manual and I've heard there is something I should look to adjust to "balance it out". I'm honestly not sure where to begin looking. This is my first boat so please be patient.

On another note that may or may not be related, I was watching the engine compartment while I was using the throttle out of the water. I noted that it seemed to engage the prop way before it gas it any more throttle. I'm sure it's hard to describe, but I would think that if the load is engaged that it should probably give it more throttle ahead of time - I have no idea what that point is.

I'm sorry if this has been asked before but my searches have been unfruitful. Could anybody point me in the right direction?

Thanks,

Dan

 

[Levinz11]

Re: Reverse question

I just recently purchased a boat which you guys greatly relieved me of concerns. I finally put it in the water - it floats. Out of the water I saw no issues with the system, but under load I'm having a problem where the boat immediately stalls in reverse. Forward is fine. My boat has a 1988 OMC V6 4.3L. I bought the service manual and I've heard there is something I should look to adjust to "balance it out". I'm honestly not sure where to begin looking. This is my first boat so please be patient.

On another note that may or may not be related, I was watching the engine compartment while I was using the throttle out of the water. I noted that it seemed to engage the prop way before it gas it any more throttle. I'm sure it's hard to describe, but I would think that if the load is engaged that it should probably give it more throttle ahead of time - I have no idea what that point is.

I'm sorry if this has been asked before but my searches have been unfruitful. Could anybody point me in the right direction?

Thanks,

Dan

The drive is engaged in F/R without opening the throttle up so that you can drive around at idle speeds. Also, so you don't put it into gear and immediately hit the throttle....which would obviously throw people and things around.

 

[Levinz11]

Re: Reverse question

The stalling in reverse could be a few things:
-Idle too low.
-Sticking lower shift cable

Do a few searches in this forum for "stalling when put in gear" or "lower shift cable".

Download this OMC Manual.zip or buy a real OMC Factory manual on eBay. You'll need it.

 

[ddnewb]

Re: Reverse question

The stalling in reverse could be a few things:
-Idle too low.
-Sticking lower shift cable

Do a few searches in this forum for "stalling when put in gear" or "lower shift cable".

Download this OMC Manual.zip or buy a real OMC Factory manual on eBay. You'll need it.

Levinz,

Really appreciate the link and advice. Does it take more torque to put it in reverse than forward(I know in a car it involves an "extra" gear)? If not I'll opt out of the idle too low, since forward works perfectly. I read that the Cobras are notorious for having a cable problem and I'm not sure if the one I have was ever worked on - will definitely check that out. Thank you

 

[Levinz11]

Re: Reverse question

I think you are asking if you have to push the lever with more force to engage reverse? If so...my boat shift forward and back with about the same amount of pressure. The only difference is you have to pull up on the button to get reverse.

Everyone likes to bag on Cobra drives. My 25 year old model shifts just fine. Now, if you neglect to fix a shifting or shift cable issue...you will have big problems.

Check if your shift cable (the one that goes through the transom) is red. I'm guessing that since 1988 someone has had to replace the cable at least once.

 

[matthew daley]

Re: Reverse question

could youre shift asist be cuming in at idle due to badly adusted cables i had it with my omc try disconecting the switch by selecter or un plug shift module on right hand riser as you face engine

 

[ddnewb]

Re: Reverse question

Check if your shift cable (the one that goes through the transom) is red. I'm guessing that since 1988 someone has had to replace the cable at least once.

I do indeed see a thick red cable running to the back. Not sure if that means it's an old or new one.

Dan