1990 Cobra wont shift to neutral

[candiaoh]

1990 Cobra/King Cobra, 4.3l Candia 180.

After about 15 minutes of operation, it will not shift to neutral, only forward or reverse. Its typically preceded by a "thunck", like something hit the boat.

After a cool down it shifts normal.

 

[Lodgepole]

Re: 1990 Cobra wont shift to neutral

1990 Cobra/King Cobra, 4.3l Candia 180.

After about 15 minutes of operation, it will not shift to neutral, only forward or reverse. Its typically preceded by a "thunck", like something hit the boat.

After a cool down it shifts normal.

I would suspect the electronic shift assist module. I had a similar problem with my 92, 3.0. The electrician (idiot) previous owner had disconnected it. The shift dogs have a 5 degree taper where they interlock to help keep them from jumping out of gear. This makes it very hard to go to neuteral with torque on the prop. The ESA kills spark for some cylinders for a second to make it easier shift. Could be the module, a wire, or an adjustment of the shift assist system.

 

[candiaoh]

Re: 1990 Cobra wont shift to neutral

Where is the module located? Could it have become disconnected or just failed completely?

The only service I had done on it was having the LU fluid changed last year.

 

[Lodgepole]

Re: 1990 Cobra wont shift to neutral

Where is the module located? Could it have become disconnected or just failed completely?

The only service I had done on it was having the LU fluid changed last year.

Not sure on the 4.3 but you can get some info on the "STICKEY adilts only" site at the top of the forums page. There are some switches on the brackets where the shift cable connects that connect to wires to the module. Any adjustments done are critical and must be done by the book (manual).

 

[HT32BSX115]

Re: 1990 Cobra wont shift to neutral

Howdy,


You either have a "bad" ESA, the wiring to/from the ESA is defective, the switches are "bad" or the lower shift cable is corroded/maladjusted or some or all of the above, etc.

Unless you're familiar with the Dog-clutch Cobra shift cable adjustment, I suggest you take it to someone who is. If you keep running it as-is or adjust it wrong, you could damage the drive enough to require a rebuild.

The ESA is #71 below, but it may not be the problem. You need an OEM, correct year OMC service manual to do the troubleshooting procedure to determine. (Clymer/Seloc just doesn't "cut it")

Cheers,


Rick

 

[Bondo]

Re: 1990 Cobra wont shift to neutral

1990 Cobra/King Cobra, 4.3l Candia 180.

Ayuh,... Are you Sure about that,...

I thought the King Cobras were Big block drives,...
Hopefully, you're Wrong..... I wouldn't wish a King cobra on my Worst enemy...

 

[candiaoh]

Re: 1990 Cobra wont shift to neutral

Bond-o-

I boat the boat from a boat dealer in Michigan who told me it was a King Cobra. From my research, I believe it is a Cobra. I have also read where Cobras were marketed as King Cobras, and that a true King Cobra is truely rare.

 

[Don S]

Re: 1990 Cobra wont shift to neutral

Ayuh,... Are you Sure about that,...

I thought the King Cobras were Big block drives,...
Hopefully, you're Wrong..... I wouldn't wish a King cobra on my Worst enemy...

LOL
That is kind of true, they did use them for big blocks, but OMC decided it would be cool to name 3 different kind of drives King Cobra.

Yes, some of the small blocks had the King Cobra that looked and were actually the same as the regular Cobra,
Then there was the OMC Cone clutch King Cobra.
Then when Volvo and OMC went into the joint venture, OMC called their drives with the SX innards a............... You guessed it. King Cobra.

 

[Bondo]

Re: 1990 Cobra wont shift to neutral

Ayuh,... just Checkin',....

I really need things like this to cornfuse my muddled mind....

 

[candiaoh]

Re: 1990 Cobra wont shift to neutral

Thanks, all.

So...I check the price on a lower shift cable. Seems we are looking at about $100 for the part. Assuming its the cable, what am I looking at in labor?

 

[Bondo]

Re: 1990 Cobra wont shift to neutral

what am I looking at in labor?

Ayuh,... Take your time,... A Day or 2 otta cover it,....

 

[Gary H NC]

Re: 1990 Cobra wont shift to neutral

Unless you have the factory manual with the adjustment procedures let a shop do it.
Then be sure the shop has a mechanic that has done many repairs on a Cobra and knows his stuff. The adjustments are critical and must be done per the OEM service manual.

Best bet is to find you the correct manual if you plan on keeping the boat.
Email this guy with the serial numbers...Tell him Gary sent you and you need the correct manual.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1990...00409403056QQptZMotorsQ5fManualsQ5fLiterature

 

[candiaoh]

Re: 1990 Cobra wont shift to neutral

Sorry, I agree. I would not attempt this on my own.

I'm just trying to guesstimate what it is going to cost me to fix this, assuming its bad cable. Any idea how many hours of labor it would take a competant shop?

 

[Gary H NC]

Re: 1990 Cobra wont shift to neutral

The drive must be pulled so i would guess 3 to 4 hours is what they would bill you for at least.( just a guess,all shops are different )
While it is off it is the perfect time to do a full transom service,bellows,gimble bearing,u-joints inspected everything greased,ect..

Here is an example of the service kit,
http://bpi.ebasicpower.com/pc/GLM21962//Transom+Service+Kit,+OMC+Cobra

Here is a PDF service manual to get you started but the printed are the best.
http://www.mediafire.com/?mzdzzqjmdzd