problem shifting

[madraptor 04]

Hi I have a 21 Donzi Regazza with a 4.3 omc i/o. I let the boat sit for about 4 years and took it out today and got it running. Everything is in good working order exept the shifting. I did alot of reading and thought it would be the shifter cable, so I pulled the outdrive and with the drive off it shifts perfect. The shift mechanism in the drive was very stiff. I used fine emery cloth on the rod and alot of WD40 and can just about move the mechanism by hand. Does anybody know how easy it is supposed to move and is this a common thing? Thanks

 

[a70eliminator]

Re: problem shifting

It's tough to actuate the the rod by hand don't worry about it, the shift cable is the most probably cause of hard shifting, the cable is worn out and beyond adjusting, you can read all day here about OMC Cobra shift cable adjusting, as you already found out.

 

[madraptor 04]

Re: problem shifting

You think its the cable even though it shifts very smooth and nice with the drive off. I was unable to move that mechanism at all until I worked it with WD for a while. I was hoping it was that and not the cable but its not sounding good. Thanks for all the quick replies.

 

[a70eliminator]

Re: problem shifting

Your saying the cable actuates easily with the drive unattached, it will because there's no pressure on it.
The shift rod on the drive I guess could stiffen up from carbon deposits being it's right in the exhaust flow, I'm just saying that that shift rod requires quite a bit of force to actuate, almost can't do it by hand. Try it now and see whats happens, maybe we'll all be lubing up our shift rods over winter.

 

[madraptor 04]

Re: problem shifting

Well I split the drive and took the shifter mechanism apart cleaned lubed, I also decided to change the water pump put drive back on added 64oz of synthetic and the shifter is working fine just a very small grind going into forward and reverse probably a shifter adjustment now but I am going to give it a try in the water. Thanks for all the replies.

 

[sea wolf]

Re: problem shifting

There's no such thing as a small grind on a Cobra. You're pressing your luck. When u hear a bump, you didn't hit a log. It's your clutch dogs self destructing.

 

[a70eliminator]

Re: problem shifting

Is it more like a ratcheting just before She goes clunk? Cable adjustment will cure that.

 

[madraptor 04]

Re: problem shifting

Do I have to pull the drive to adjust or can I do it from motor side? Also do I need special tools, and were do you get them? Thanks