1987 bayliner with ford omc inboard.

[bruceb58]

The bellcrank cavity can get corrosion in it preventing the cable from moving easily. That would prevent you from moving your console lever easily. Pull the drive and see what it looks like.

Later Cobras had a new bellcrank and bellcrank bushing installed. The bushing had a grease fitting on it so you could fill the cavity with grease once you put the drive back on. I put on that later bellcrank and bushing on my 87.

The shift cable is not expensive. I would just change it. If you don't change it and it's bad, you can wipe out your dog clutch and that repair will be more than the boat is worth. They don't last forever. I changed at least 3 times on my 87 Bayliner before I sold it. Only buy the OEM cable.

 

[weezies_view]

One last question before I do my shift cable instal... what do I use for the grease one the bell crank and what do I use to seal up the outdrive when I put it back on?

 

[weezies_view]

My tilt trim is making a weird noise goin up too now...

 

[boaterinsd]

I have the same set-up in a 87 Bayliner I got middle of last sumer. I do have a book on this also. Let me know if u got issues. Ttyl, Jeff

 

[weezies_view]

ok so i took the drive apart and this is what i found. the shift guide is broken... shift cable is still good...


and is it normal to have water in the top bellow?

 

[Bulbash]

Upper bellows must be absolutely dry. It's not hard to replace them. Make sure to pump grease in the fitting on the u-joint.

 

[Bulbash]

Try disconnect shift cable on both sides and see if it moves freely. If not replace, it should move without any resistance. You'll need the tool to adjust it, but can be done without... All the tool does is holding belcrank in a certain position while you adjust the length on the engine side.

 

[weezies_view]

yea, i moved the shift arm forward and reverse and it was moving fine...

 

[Bulbash]

Don't judge it by the shift leaver, it gives you a better leverage and you won't feel if cable is sticking... Just undo cable on both sides and try it that way. You will need to readjust it anyways.

 

[weezies_view]

Got everything put back together... thanks guys... anyone know what kind of spark plugs and wires these motor takes? And where I can get them?

 

[Bulbash]

I use Sierra oil straight SAE 30 grade with great success for the past few years

 

[weezies_view]

Ok so I got the oil changed... spark plugs done... shift cable done... but another issue arrived... when I try putting it into forward gear, the esa keeps clicking and has trouble going into gear.... it does it in boat forward and reverse gears... now does that have to do with a shift cable adjusment or is that like an bigger issue?

 

[bruceb58]

If the shift witch is causing the ESA to operate while going into gear, your shift cable needs to be replaced.