'76 cobalt w/ OMC 235 Sterndrive Sticks in Reverse

[capt ahab]

Like another fella on this board, I took my newly purchased boat out and had problems. Hopefully not as bad as his. My boat seems to stick in reverse. Did it three separate times in two hours. After a little back and forth with the throttle, it found neutral, then forward each time. Any ideas where to start??

 

[mdcan5]

Re: '76 cobalt w/ OMC 235 Sterndrive Sticks in Reverse

These OMC's are electric shift. Two wires run down through to the lower unit instead of ashift rod. They connect to two electric magnets (One to each) . One magnet engages foward. The other reverse. Make sure the contacts in your shifter are clean and working properly. You can test them with an ohmmeter. Check the condition of the entire length of wire. There is a disconnect just before the wire goes through the transom at the intermediate housing. Make sure this connection is good. The wire exits the intermediate housing on the port side just above the exhaust port and then enters the front of the outdrive unit. This is a bad area due to exposure to the elements and the constant flexing due to raising and lowering the outdrive. Inspect it carefully! The magnets can also be tested with an ohmmeter, however, sometimes a bad magnet will test good. If your problem appears to be a magnet or something else in the lower unit you should take to a professional unless you are familiar with repairing outdrives. GOOD LUCK!!!

 

[capt ahab]

Re: '76 cobalt w/ OMC 235 Sterndrive Sticks in Reverse

Thanks, I'll check it out tomorrow...