engine dies down or sputters when shifting out of neutral

[Sharb]

I have a 1991 5.8 liter OMC Cobra. when shifting out of neutral it sputters or dies down for about 10 to 15 seconds. then resumes normal idle. what are the possibilities, or hopefully the fix.

thanks

Darin

 

[bruceb58]

Re: engine dies down or sputters when shifting out of neutral

The ESA is operating as you shift. Really only supposed to activate shifting out of gear into neutral but a lower shift cable that is getting old and worn will cause it to do the same shifting into gear. Have someone shift and watch the switches that operate the ESA back at the engine. That will tell you a lot.

 

[Sharb]

Re: engine dies down or sputters when shifting out of neutral

Thanks Bruce I will check it out. I had to adjust those cables when I put on an Aluminium intake. could it being out of adjustment give the same affect?

 

[bruceb58]

Re: engine dies down or sputters when shifting out of neutral

Possibly.

 

[DBreskin]

Re: engine dies down or sputters when shifting out of neutral

I had to adjust those cables when I put on an Aluminium intake. could it being out of adjustment give the same affect?

If it's out of adjustment it will give the same effect.
The ESA is designed to operate only when there's load on the propeller, which is usually when it's in gear (forward or reverse). The load on the propeller will create resistance to shifting out of gear due to the dog clutch design. If the transom shift cable is not adjusted properly the ESA will not operate properly and it may engage when shifting into gear even though it's not supposed to.

If your addition of an different intake manifold alters the routing or geometry of the transom shift cable, the cable may not operate smoothly. Resistance in the cable may cause unwanted engagement of the ESA.

With the engine off, you should be able to operate the shifter without engaging the ESA. You can try this by having someone operate the shifter while you watch the ESA microswitches. They should not close when shifting with the engine off. If they do close, you need to make an adjustment somewhere.