89 5.7 cobra stern drive shift problems

[steve 1227]

I am a novice to boating so my questions might sound dumb.but is the stern drive suppose to make a clanking noise when putting it in gear.and to add to my previous post the boat does about 5mph but when you try to go faster it does not go anywhere.

 

[DBreskin]

Re: 89 5.7 cobra stern drive shift problems

The clunk is normal for Cobras. If you can't get any speed (but the motor speed does increase) you may have a spun propeller hub or damaged engine coupler.
To check for a spun hub, shift into gear with the engine off. Try to turn the propeller by hand. If the prop turns, but the prop nut doesn't, you have a spun prop hub. A spun hub can be easily fixed by any prop shop.

 

[Lou C]

Re: 89 5.7 cobra stern drive shift problems

You need to find someone who can adjust the shift linkage on the Cobra, it's a known issue but due to how long ago they stopped making them, there are not that many people who really know how. A properly adjusted Cobra will 'THUNK' into gear, not clank. Dog clutch drives have to be shifted fast, if you shift too slow they grind.
If you have an acceleration issue, you really have to have the whole engine, ignition and fuel system gone over. It's 22 years old, on mine, the low power culprit was the anti siphon valve on the gas tank....

 

[Gordon88]

Re: 89 5.7 cobra stern drive shift problems

For anyone else who comes acrossed this forum,

I have an older cobra and mine was acting up in the same manner turn out all it was was the shift cable that runs down into the lower unit some how when we were putting it on the trailer and adjusted the outdrive in the haul positin the cable got damaged , easy fix!