Shifting problems,

[brianroy6]

Well I got my boat, and it runs great. But today it devoleped a slight problem. When at an idle and shifting into forward, it slips, and wont catch at all( doesnt even slip really) just stays in neutral and reves up). But with a little playing around, I can get it to shift. It

It also wanted to pop into neutral at low speeds, 1-3 mph.

Once its in gear at higher speeds its 100 % normal.

Reverse is fine and goes into reverse right away.

Is this just the shift cable, if so how do I go about adjusting it.

Thanks Brian

[brianroy6]

Should say its a 3.0 omc, with the omc cobra outdrive,

[Jason Adam]

Should say its a 3.0 omc, with the omc cobra outdrive,

I know the old OMC cobras a the same in many ways to my Volvo. On my VP, there is a cover on the top of the lower unit that comes off. There is a post spun onto the threaded end of the shift cable there. You spin the post on to adjust the pull length of the shifter.. Once it is adusted, the post goes through the actual shifter bracket, and is pinned in with a cotter pin. It could be that just needs adjustment.

I'm guessing though, that you shift cable is shot,and it is now stretched and needs to be replaced. This is exactaly what happened to me. Replacing it was like $60 and less than an hour labor.

[waterfoul]

I'm guessing though, that you shift cable is shot,and it is now stretched and needs to be replaced. This is exactaly what happened to me. Replacing it was like $60 and less than an hour labor.

That depends on which shift cable you are replacing. The actualy SHIFT cable goes down from the linkage to the drive... and the drive needs to be pulled to replace this one. More like 4 hours at a marine repair facality.

I'd try tightening up the cables... one at a time to see if one or the other will help.

[Jason Adam]

That depends on which shift cable you are replacing. The actualy SHIFT cable goes down from the linkage to the drive... and the drive needs to be pulled to replace this one. More like 4 hours at a marine repair facality.

I'd try tightening up the cables... one at a time to see if one or the other will help.

I replaced the actual shift cable(from the shifter at the helm to the shift linkage on the lower unit), and did not have to remove my drive to do so(even though I do anually, and removing/reinstalling the outdrive takes less than an hour). It took less than an hour for the whole project. Maybe his boat is different. I have a 99' Volvo Penta, but the housing is the same as a OMC cobra.

[brianroy6]

I ordered the manual today. I messed with the linkage ( there are two cabels) I only adjusted the top one. But threaded it back to exactly where it was. I got it shifting perfect to forward, but than reverse got a little worse.

I think I need to adjust them both, but Im not even going to attempt to until my manual arrives.


So I am pretty sure its the cable, There is about an inch of adjustment left in both.

Thanks Brian

[Sportfishermans SVC]

You may be able to adjust around the problem but you will probably find that as you adjust it the problem will just shift directions and move from forward gear to reverse. More than likely you have a worn out cable and it is time for replacement. Something to keep in mind is that the cable should not be able to come out of adjustment on its own and if it is starting to be a problem now it is a much better time of year to be replacing the cable than mid summer when shops are busier, or when you want to be out on the water on a hot day.

[Jason Adam]

You may be able to adjust around the problem but you will probably find that as you adjust it the problem will just shift directions and move from forward gear to reverse. More than likely you have a worn out cable and it is time for replacement. Something to keep in mind is that the cable should not be able to come out of adjustment on its own and if it is starting to be a problem now it is a much better time of year to be replacing the cable than mid summer when shops are busier, or when you want to be out on the water on a hot day.

Exacatly....

[brianroy6]

Well I think I will attempt this myself, looks easy enough. Im still waiting on the maunal tho.