Help with outdrive issue

[shhh]

I have a 87 5.7l omc with a cobra drive. I tried to get the boat out and it would not go in gear it just revs up when i try to put it in gear. Like its stick in neutral. I searched around and seen people with kinda the same problem and they are saying it might be a lower shift cable. Is there any type of test i can do without taking the outdrive off.If it is and i get it replaced what else should i also get replaced since they have the outdrive apart? Thats for the help

 

[howlnmad]

Re: Help with outdrive issue

You can disconnect the lower cable at the engine bracket and try to engage it by hand. If it's broke, it may pull out of the outter sleeve. What color is the cable housing, bkack or red?

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Help with outdrive issue

Tilt up the drive and look at the cable as it enters the drive on the starboard side. That is where the cable housings usually fail.

Not sure if the black/red color of the cable matters anymore. Any cable that is 5 years old or older is suspect in my book.

 

[RIDEPATE]

Re: Help with outdrive issue

Could also be the lockout-button on the controls stuck.

 

[shhh]

Re: Help with outdrive issue

You can disconnect the lower cable at the engine bracket and try to engage it by hand. If it's broke, it may pull out of the outter sleeve. What color is the cable housing, bkack or red?

its red. From what I can see the housing looks all but new. No cracks or anything. It ran last summer fine no signs of it going bad. Would there do any signs or would it just go out.

 

[shhh]

Re: Help with outdrive issue

Could also be the lockout-button on the controls stuck.

I didn't think about that one. It sucks I'm at work till 4est. Ill mess with it a little when I get home.

 

[howlnmad]

Re: Help with outdrive issue

its red. From what I can see the housing looks all but new. No cracks or anything. It ran last summer fine no signs of it going bad. Would there do any signs or would it just go out.

They usually start to shift hard and hang up. Have you checked where it comes thru the transom undeer the drive? As was also mentioned, the neutal over-ride may be hung up. When you work the control what do you see moving?

 

[shhh]

Re: Help with outdrive issue

Ok I think I got it. Not sure what I did but I got it to work. I'm thinking it was the neutral over ride. Is that common. One thing I did notice was my outdrive oil is low. It doesn't read on the dip stick but i can c the oil thru the hole. I did hear a little bit of grinding could that be because its low in oil. Also should i take it somewhere for them to oil it or should i try it myself. I read about not getting air in and fill it from the middle. It does not sound hard but i do not want to mess anything up. If i do it myself which kind of oil do i get. Anyone with any good ideas let me know

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Help with outdrive issue

Under what circumstance did you hear grinding?

 

[shhh]

Re: Help with outdrive issue

Under what circumstance did you hear grinding?

Well mostly in reverse. It wasnt alot of grinding or loud. You had to listen closely to hear it. When i would shift into reverse it would grind alittle then go into reverse. I only had the boat now for about a year now and the people i bought it from SAID they kept up with everything but you know how people will say anything to sell something. Like I said it ran great last summer. THe only thing i did since then was winterize it and replaced the oil cooler. I already have the wife in my ear saying i told u so and i hate that. So i really hope its something that is not major yet.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Help with outdrive issue

That noise is normal although to minimize that noise you shift into gear swiftly and it should sound more like a clunk.

When you shift from forward to reverse and vice versa, give it a few seconds to allow the prop to slow down. You will have less of the noise as the prop switches direction.

As far as changing the gear oil, its not very difficult as long as you follow the Factory manual's directions. You also want to replace the o-rings/seals on the drain plug/fill plug/dip stick plug whenever you change the oil.

 

[shhh]

Re: Help with outdrive issue

Thanks for the info bruceb58

bruceb58 do you think it will be fine to go out this weekend or should i take it and have it serviced? Just say there isnt anything wrong with it just needs a little oil. Little meaning 1/4 of a cup would you take your boat out?

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Help with outdrive issue

If it was my boat, I change the oil every year and I check it every time I take it out to make sure it is completely full.

When was it changed last? By changing it, you can determine if there is any water in it. If there was water in it, I would not be taking it out.

 

[shhh]

Re: Help with outdrive issue

If it was my boat, I change the oil every year and I check it every time I take it out to make sure it is completely full.

When was it changed last? By changing it, you can determine if there is any water in it. If there was water in it, I would not be taking it out.

Ok i get your point, get it serviced!.LOL. Im not to sure when it was last done. I only had it for a year now and I have not had it done. What would you say A round about price to get it serviced not saying it needs anything just the rings and stuff. Thanks for the help not just you but everyone.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Help with outdrive issue

A drive service usually is more than just changing the drive oil. It involves pulling the drive and checking the condition of the boots, u-joints and gimbal bearing. At that time you would also grease the u-joints and the gimbal bearing and check alignment. It can be anywhere from $300 to $600 depending on where you go.

When was the last time the engine oil was changed?

 

[shhh]

Re: Help with outdrive issue

It was changed when I got it winterized. That I know was done.